France’s Alcatel-Lucent and Qualcomm Technologies Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, announced Wednesday a plan to collaborate to develop small cell base stations that enhance 3G, 4G and WiFi networks to improve wireless connectivity in residential and enterprise environments.
“These next-generation small cells would combine Alcatel-Lucent’s proven expertise and innovation in developing small cell solutions with Qualcomm Technologies’ industry-leading mobile and networking technologies, to enable ultra-broadband wireless communications,” Alcatel-Lucent said in a press statement made available to PANA here.
“The planned collaboration brings the two industry leaders in wireless communications together in the development of small cells to enhance wireless network reception in environments such as urban areas, shopping malls and other enterprise venues,” said the statement.
With the growing popularity of smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices using high-bandwidth video and gaming applications, wireless network operators and service providers are looking to small cells to cost-effectively meet the rapidly expanding demand for mobile data capacity and network coverage.
By working together, Alcatel-Lucent and Qualcomm Technologies intend to accelerate the adoption of small cells and alleviate the impact of mobile data on wireless networks.
To facilitate this acceleration, the two companies plan to jointly invest in a strategic R&D (research and development) programme to develop the next generation of Alcatel-Lucent lightRadio Small Cell products featuring Qualcomm Technologies’ FSM9900 family of Small Cell chipsets.
The investment would be shared by Alcatel-Lucent and Qualcomm Technologies.
