Alcatel-Lucent, Qualcomm Technologies join hands to develop small cell base stations

Alcatel-Lucent and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated has announced 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.

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.

Michel Combes, CEO, Alcatel-Lucent, says, “This initiative perfectly illustrates The Shift Plan we announced last month, which will see Alcatel-Lucent focus on growth technologies, including those facilitating ultra-broadband access. We also said we would actively seek collaboration with key industry players. In working together with Qualcomm Technologies – a world leader in advanced wireless platform solutions such as its small cell chipsets – Alcatel-Lucent will continue to be positioned at the forefront of innovation in the small cells market.”

“Small cells greatly increase capacity by bringing the network closer to the user, thus enabling operators to serve the anticipated 1000x growth in mobile data traffic and dramatically improving the experience for wireless subscribers,” says Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, chairman and CEO of Qualcomm Incorporated.

“Working together with industry leaders like Alcatel-Lucent, we can accelerate the dense deployment of small cells globally, driving another significant leap in advanced wireless broadband technology and services,” he added.

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.

To facilitate this acceleration, the two companies plan to jointly invest in a strategic R&D program to develop the next generation of Alcatel-Lucent light Radio Small Cell products featuring Qualcomm Technologies’ FSM9900 family of Small Cell chipsets. The investment would be shared by Alcatel-Lucent and Qualcomm Technologies.