Qualcomm launches West Africa operations

Qualcomm Incorporated today announced the opening of a Lagos office by QCOM Wireless Technologies Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary, to serve as the Company’s hub for West Africa business operations. The office will provide support to mobile operators and device manufacturers serving countries throughout the region, including Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Cameroon.

Commenting on the Lagos office launch, Alexander Dadson, senior director of business development and managing director of Qualcomm’s West Africa operations, said “Qualcomm supports growth and development of the West Africa ICT sector. Toward this end, we are collaborating with regional partners to make cost-efficient 3G mobile devices and services more readily available.”

Leading research organizations estimate that roughly half of Nigeria’s population lives in rural areas, much of which is beyond the reach of fixed line broadband solutions. The high cost of traditional computing devices, such as desktop computers and laptops, also creates barriers to reaching West Africa’s consumers. Qualcomm’s integrated, single-chip solutions are enabling its partners to offer Internet-capable 3G devices (CDMA2000 and WCDMA/UMTS) that support different tiers of market needs – from high-end smartphones to low-cost handsets. The Company’s Engineering Services Group also works collaboratively with operators to assist in their deployment of cost-efficient wireless networks for both dense urban areas and rural regions.

“Qualcomm is committed to supporting its partners regardless of which 3G CDMA technology path they choose,” continued Dadson. “We also recognize that fulfilling the industry’s promise of anywhere, anytime wireless voice and data services will not be easy; it will take time, resources and close partnerships with policy makers and operators to make this vision a reality. Our new Lagos office not only reflects Qualcomm’s long-term commitment to the region, but it also allows us to maintain close proximity to the people, governments and important industry events that are driving the West Africa ICT sector forward.”