Qualcomm applies to bid in India’s BWA auction for 2.3 GHz spectrum

MUMBAI, INDIA: Qualcomm Inc. has filed an application with the Indian Government to bid in India’s upcoming auction for BWA (Broadband Wireless Access) spectrum in the 2.3 GHz band to facilitate the deployment of TD-LTE.

TD-LTE is compatible with 3G WCDMA/HSPA and EV-DO, and will enable a seamless broadband experience for consumers within India and while roaming globally. In India’s unpaired 2.3 GHz spectrum band, TD-LTE is the technology best suited to complement current and upcoming 3G deployments and address India’s rapidly growing demand for high bandwidth broadband services.

Through the use of integrated multimode devices that support TD-LTE as well as 3G and 2G technologies, TD-LTE will take advantage of the 3G and 2G ecosystems, thereby creating economies of scale to enable a broad choice of wireless broadband devices at affordable price points for Indian consumers. TD-LTE enhances 3G networks and offers an attractive value proposition to end-users as well as the wireless ecosystem.

Qualcomm has a history of participating in spectrum auctions to expedite the commercialization of new wireless technologies. By participating in India’s BWA spectrum auction, Qualcomm can foster the accelerated deployment of TD-LTE.

If successful in winning spectrum in the auction, Qualcomm intends to secure Indian partners after completion of the auction and in compliance with the applicable Indian Foreign Direct Investment regulations.

Qualcomm and its partners intend to demonstrate TD-LTE technology with the goal of creating a TD-LTE infrastructure and device ecosystem that, in concert with 3G networks and devices, will support India’s broadband goals. Qualcomm and its partners will decide the venture’s strategy in due course.

Qualcomm’s goal is to attract an operator partner or partners into the venture at the appropriate time for construction of a TD-LTE network in compliance with the Indian Government’s rollout requirement for the BWA spectrum and then to exit the venture.