Qualcomm is the world’s leading wireless technology innovator, inventing technologies that underpin and ensure ever-improving speed, security, and latency-free wireless connectivity that is contributing to the digital transformation of economies. Qualcomm France S.A.R.L. is a subsidiary of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and has several R&D centers in France. Qualcomm France works closely with the French and European mobile ecosystems, including operators, automakers, startups, and industrial players. Qualcomm France Lannion 5G/6G R&D innovation platform, built on Qualcomm Technologies’ research prototypes, enables the research and development of innovative system solutions for vertical sectors.
In 2022, Qualcomm announced a partnership with Thales and Ericsson to validate 5G NTN (https://www.qualcomm.com/news/releases/2022/07/ericsson–qualcomm-and-thales-to-take-5g-into-space). Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., with Qualcomm France engaged in software development and IoDT, successfully developed and validated a UE prototype with 5G NTN capabilities. The validation process focused on characterizing the 5G NTN LEO to Smartphone link performance and use-cases in challenging NTN environments while compensating for high doppler and delay at the UE. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., with Thales and Ericsson, successfully demonstrated the prototype at the Mobile World Congress 2023, Barcelona, with a live video call.
What is your organization’s role in the project? What unique contribution does it bring to the team?
As a pioneer in wireless communication technologies and in the design of modem for a diverse set of wireless consumer products, we bring expertise in multiple fronts to the 6G NTN project: definition of use cases and requirements, 3D NTN system architecture, flexible functional splits, analysis/design of novel waveforms, AI/ML, spectrum sharing and co-existence, reliable positioning, and standardization. Being the only member of the consortium with expertise in mobile user terminals, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. brings valuable insights that aid in development of realizable system-design.
Why is this project important for your organization?
Qualcomm views this project as an opportunity to collaboratively shape the design and development of the future 6G NTN system. Qualcomm also seeks to utilize the learnings from the project towards 3GPP-standardization efforts.