Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon's plan to bring affordable 5G devices to India

In an interview with CNBC-TV18 Cristiano Amon, President and CEO of Qualcomm Inc, shared his ambitious vision for the future of technology in India, encompassing everything from 5G expansion to the advent of generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) and semiconductor manufacturing.

With a strong emphasis on innovation and collaboration, Amon's insights shed light on Qualcomm's pivotal role in shaping India's technological landscape.

Amon highlighted the importance of 5G technology in revolutionising mobile connectivity across India. Recognising the current prevalence of premium 5G devices, he outlined Qualcomm's commitment to making this transformative technology accessible to all consumers.

"We want to see 5G coverage continue to expand in India, we want to see a lot of 5G services. 5G is the only technology that can support high speeds and unlimited data rates for mobile consumers. You see a lot of 5G phones right now, but they are premium, they are high-tier phones, so a majority of people buy 4G phones. We want everybody to experience 5G and so we see two vectors to enable that.

One is that 5G networks are becoming more modern and the opportunity exists for the operators in India to invest in what we call a standalone (SA) network. Once you do that, you enable the opportunity to bring some of those 5G devices at very attractive price points and that is what we are working on. We are announcing a chipset shortly and we think we can build with our ecosystem of partners, devices at those price points as early as the second half of this year,” Amon stated.

Expanding on Qualcomm's vision for the future, Amon introduced the concept of generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) and its profound impact on human-device interaction. Envisioning AI agents embedded within smartphones, he highlighted the potential for predictive capabilities to enhance user experiences.

From real-time language translation to innovative photography features, Amon foresees Gen-AI ushering in a new era where devices seamlessly integrate with daily life, transcending the limitations of traditional app-centric models.

As the largest fabless company globally, Qualcomm is poised to play a pivotal role in India's semiconductor ecosystem. Amon emphasised the company's longstanding investment in India, spanning over a decade of advanced R&D and chip design.

With plans to further expand its presence, Qualcomm aims to support India's efforts in establishing a geographically diversified and resilient supply chain. By collaborating with Indian manufacturers and fostering opportunities in the semiconductor space, Qualcomm seeks to solidify its position as a key contributor to India's technological growth.

In addition to mobile and semiconductor technologies, Amon highlighted Qualcomm's endeavours in automotive connectivity. With a significant pipeline of contracted projects and projected revenues, Qualcomm aims to revolutionise the driving experience in India. From cloud connectivity to digital cockpit enhancements, Amon outlined Qualcomm's goal of integrating Gen-AI into automotive platforms, enabling seamless interaction between drivers and their vehicles.

Looking ahead, Amon reiterated Qualcomm's commitment to empowering Indian consumers with connected experiences. From ubiquitous 5G coverage to immersive digital cockpit environments, Qualcomm envisions a future where technology seamlessly integrates into everyday life.