US-based chip company Qualcomm reportedly said the Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) service is addressing India’s low fixed broadband penetration, especially in underserved urban and rural areas. The company powers nearly 80 percent of the 5G FWA connections in the country, according to Qualcomm Technologies Group General Manager – Connectivity, Broadband and Networking Business Unit, Rahul Patel, in an interaction with ET.
Globally, 5G FWA is gaining traction as a solution for regions with limited fiber networks, enabling high-speed, reliable internet for residential and enterprise users. In India, it is unlocking opportunities for IoT integration, smart manufacturing, and cloud-based applications, according to the report.
Wireless Data Growth Projected
Qualcomm predicts a surge in wireless data consumption and internet subscribers in India over the next five years, fuelled by the rapid deployment of 5G. According to Patel, technologies like the 3.5 GHz spectrum and scalable FWA solutions are making broadband access faster and more cost-effective, bringing high-speed connectivity to underserved regions.
“Qualcomm is deeply invested in enabling this transformation. Through our collaborations with Indian telecom operators and the introduction of cutting-edge technologies, we are strengthening the nation’s digital ecosystem to meet the growing demand for reliable, high-performance connectivity. We are with India’s ambitions for a digitally connected future, where consumers and enterprises can benefit from enhanced connectivity and new opportunities in the digital economy,” Rahul Patel reportedly said.
Advancing AI at the Edge
The company’s AI gateways are enhancing real-time data processing and decision-making at the network edge, with applications in smart cities, industrial IoT, and autonomous vehicle networks. Qualcomm’s edge AI technologies, including the Networking Pro A7 Elite platform, are optimising 5G networks and boosting user experiences by reducing latency and enabling personalised services.
Patel explained the company’s AI gateway, describing it as “a platform that integrates advanced AI capabilities into network infrastructure, enabling real-time processing, analysis, and decision-making at the edge of the network. By enabling faster data processing and smarter automation, it enhances operational efficiency, reduces latency, and improves user experience.”
“This technology has been deployed in several critical use cases, including 5G network optimisation, smart cities, advanced industrial IoT, and autonomous vehicle networks,” Patel said, according to the report.
Explaining how AI at the network edge boosts end consumer experience, Patel reportedly said, “Integrating AI at the network edge significantly enhances the end-user experience by delivering faster, more personalised, and secure interactions. By processing data directly on devices, edge AI reduces reliance on cloud services, leading to lower latency and quicker responses. On-device AI also enables personalised experiences by tailoring services to individual user preferences without compromising privacy. For instance, smartphones can adapt their functionalities based on user behaviour to offer customised recommendations and features.”
According to Patel, Qualcomm is also leading the next wave of connectivity with its Wi-Fi 7 roadmap, featuring advancements like 320MHz bandwidth, 4K QAM, and Multi-Link Operation (MLO). Designed for high-speed and low-latency performance, Wi-Fi 7 addresses the demands of bandwidth-intensive applications in homes and enterprises.
Chennai Design Center’s Role
Qualcomm’s Chennai R&D center is central to the development of cutting-edge wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7. This facility aligns with the ‘Make in India’ initiative and collaborates with global teams to drive innovation and strengthen Qualcomm’s position in wireless connectivity.
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