Qualcomm gets busy making 4G as painless as possible

Qualcomm has announced an initiative to smoothly help mobile operators around the world get their users ready for 4G/LTE. In co-operation with a truly impressive line-up of manufacturers, the chipset maker plans to sneak 4G chips into mobile devices that are currently being released.

What’s going on?

Qualcomm is now providing chips for mobiles that can access data from both 3G and 4G wireless networks. Manufacturers including ZTE (who have a long history with 4G), Huawei, LG and Novatel are involved in testing the tech.

What we think?

Some might say the 4G launch is already underway - WiMAX networks are springing up all over the place, and even LTE test networks are active. But how aware are the consumers of this advance? Most people are only starting to get their heads around 3G now, and they’re being told they’ll need to upgrade. It’s like the whole Blueray thing. “I’ve only just finished buying all of my favourite childhood movies on DVD - I really don’t want to have to spend a tonne of money on the next big thing.”

This is a problem that will face every technology. As the gap between breakthroughs shortens, it will get harder to convince consumers to continue spending money on upgrades.

So I’m assuming (hoping) that Qualcomm is doing the smart thing here. Get 4G chips out there. Ever before the networks are ready, get that technology into users phones. Then when LTE is ready to go, you can say to consumers “the next big thing is here. But don’t worry about upgrading - the technology is already in your phone! Not only that, but if you want a 4G phone but don’t live in a 4G network, you can still browse on 3G until we’ve upgraded your area”

Via The Inquirer