Mass market 4G handsets to flood Indian markets next year: Qualcomm

Smartphones that work on fourth generation (4G) or long-term evolution networks are very limitedin India and those available are very expensive. But, this is going to change.With Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio Infocomm gearing up for roll out, Bharti Airtel already in select circles and Vodafone announcing plans for 4G, handset makers, domestic and multi-nationals, are looking for different options, including thechips that builds the handsets, to bringdown prices of these high-end smartphones.

During the past few months, according to industry experts, handset makers and other original equipment makers (OEMs) have asked chipmakers like Qualcomm to make chips for 4G handsets for different price points.

"We are in talks with various smartphone OEMs and operators to bring a wider range of 4G LTE smartphones to the Indian market. Qualcomm is working closely with almost every OEM. The top tier of 4G LTE smartphones is already in place, the mid-tier is gaining momentum and mass market availability is likely within the next year,"said Sandeep Sibal, country manager and vice president, Qualcomm India & South Asia.

In 2015,Qualcomm expects the launch of 4G LTE smartphones in volume on Qualcomm's chipsets and this would essentially facilitate larger scale adoption, said Sibal.Not just 4G, the San Diego-based chipmaker is also banking on expanding 3G market in India for growth. The company is likely to introduce its mid-tier Snapdragon 400 chipset this year in the South Asian nation. The Snapdragon 400 tier includes both dual and quad core offerings and comes integrated with LTE for faster connectivity.

"India is witnessing a mobile data storm with consumers demanding 24x7 mobile Internet, operators expanding their 3G and 4G LTE networks, and OEMs focusing onlaunching 3G and 4G LTE smartphones. While 4G LTE will take some time to buildscale, 3G smartphones are already available at affordable price points," said Sibal. The recently launched Moto E, economy smartphone priced at Rs 6,999, runs on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 200 processor. It has also tiedup with Bharti AIrtel and LG and created an experience zone for 4G services in Bangalore where Bharti AIrtel offers 4G service.

In October 2012,Qualcomm, Bharti Airtel and Huawei announced the first multi-mode LTE-TDD smartphone in India. Qualcomm's revenue stood at $ 24.87 billion in 2013 fiscal; and has employs about 27,000. The company does not reveal India break-up.