Qualcomm Inc., a leading US chipset maker, foresees significant opportunities in the Internet of Things (IoT) sector driven by the advent of Wi-Fi 7 and fifth-generation (5G) technology. Rahul Patel, Group General Manager of Connectivity, Broadband & Networking at Qualcomm Technologies, highlights the potential for cost-effective connectivity solutions in rural India, with modems capable of delivering up to 200 megabits per second broadband connectivity.
Having positioned itself as a pioneer in Wi-Fi 7 technology, Qualcomm has collaborated with Indian telecom giants Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio to test the new Wi-Fi standard. Patel underscores Qualcomm’s strong partnership with Indian operators in integrating Wi-Fi into their networks, citing ongoing collaboration with Bharti Airtel on reduced capacity (RedCap) modem, and expressing commitment to engaging with other telecom carriers.
The next generation of Wi-Fi, operating across 2.4 gigahertz (GHz), 5 gigahertz (GHz), and 6 gigahertz (GHz) frequency bands, promises extremely high throughput (EHT) and offers competitive pricing. Patel emphasizes its potential to bridge the digital divide, enabling various IoT applications such as telemedicine and smart agriculture. He outlines use cases including smart meters for utilities and connected infrastructure like traffic lights and fuel stations, which could benefit from improved management and maintenance.
Qualcomm’s Wi-Fi 7 technology has already been integrated into more than 400 designs globally, with products ranging from smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra to networking devices such as Xiaomi Router 10000 and Ruckus R770 Access Point. Last month, Qualcomm inaugurated a Wi-Fi center of excellence in Chennai, aligning with the Indian government’s initiatives like Make in India and fostering innovation, with Patel expressing confidence in the centre’s potential to drive further advancements in Wi-Fi technology.
Patel also highlights Qualcomm’s chipset offerings, including Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, along with competitors like MediaTek Dimensity 9200 and 9300, all geared towards enabling Wi-Fi 7 capabilities.
