Qualcomm

Qualcomm was founded in 1985 by Dr. Irwin Jacobs, along with six other co-founders, in San Diego, California. Initially started as a research and development company, Qualcomm focused on satellite and digital wireless telecommunications system design and development. Since its inception, Qualcomm has played a significant role in the evolution of wireless technology, pioneering many key innovations that have reshaped the communications landscape.

In December 1993, Qualcomm launched the first Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network. CDMA technology paved the way for the spread of digital wireless communication by providing increased capacity and improved call quality compared to analog systems. This innovation revolutionized the mobile phone industry, allowing more users to connect simultaneously and improving overall network efficiency.

In June 1999, Qualcomm sold its base station business to Ericsson in a remarkable deal, valued at approximately $570 million. This strategic move allowed Qualcomm to focus on its core chipset and software business, while Ericsson expanded its network infrastructure capabilities. The sale marked a pivotal point in Qualcomm’s history, enabling it to concentrate on market-leading technologies such as CDMA and later 3G.

In November 2000, Qualcomm introduced its Snapdragon system on a chip (SoC), which became an essential component in mobile devices. Snapdragon integrated many functionalities into a single chip, providing significant performance improvements and power efficiency. This innovation positioned Qualcomm as a leader in mobile processing technology, setting the stage for the smartphone era.

Qualcomm acquired Atheros Communications in December 2011 for approximately $3.1 billion. Atheros was a leader in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other connectivity solutions, and this acquisition allowed Qualcomm to strengthen and diversify its wireless offerings. Through this strategic acquisition, Qualcomm was able to integrate Atheros’ technologies into its platforms, enhancing its position in the broader wireless communications market.

On November 13, 2017, Broadcom made an unsolicited bid to acquire Qualcomm for $130 billion, which would have been the largest technology company acquisition in history. Qualcomm's board unanimously rejected the offer, stating that it undervalued the company. The bid attracted significant attention from global regulators, shareholders, and the industry, highlighting the strategic importance of Qualcomm’s technology in the telecommunications space.

In February 2020, Qualcomm and Apple settled a long-standing legal dispute over patent royalties, which had persisted for several years. The settlement included an agreement for Qualcomm to supply Apple with modem chips for future iPhone models. This resolution was crucial for Qualcomm, as it ensured steady business with one of its largest customers and ended uncertainties surrounding Qualcomm’s licensing business model.

In January 2021, Qualcomm announced its acquisition of NUVIA, a chip design company, for $1.4 billion. NUVIA was founded by former Apple chip architects and was known for designing high-performance processors. This acquisition aimed to bolster Qualcomm’s capabilities in developing processors for next-generation devices and expand its reach into the data center market, enhancing Qualcomm’s competitive edge.

In March 2022, Qualcomm announced significant advancements in its automotive business, partnering with leading car manufacturers to provide connectivity solutions, autonomous driving technologies, and Snapdragon platforms tailored for automotive applications. This expansion highlights Qualcomm’s strategic focus on diversifying its revenue streams and capitalizing on the growing demand for smart automotive technology, positioning itself as a key player in the automotive industry.

In September 2023, Qualcomm announced a collaboration with Samsung to develop key technologies for the future 6G cellular networks. This partnership aims to advance the research and development of next-generation wireless technologies, promising higher data rates, improved connectivity, and innovative communication solutions. Both companies are leveraging their expertise to pioneer the 6G technology, setting the stage for a transformative impact on global communications.