QUALCOMM Incorporated, commonly known as Qualcomm, is a global semiconductor and telecommunications equipment company based in San Diego, California, USA. The company was founded in 1985 by Irwin M. Jacobs, Andrew Viterbi, Harvey White, Adelia Coffman, Andrew Cohen, Klein Gilhousen, and Franklin Antonio. Qualcomm's founders were pioneers in the field of digital communications, and their vision was to develop cutting-edge technologies that would revolutionize mobile communications. Qualcomm is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker symbol "QCOM."
Qualcomm's primary focus is on the design, development, and manufacturing of semiconductors and system-on-chip (SoC) solutions for various industries, with a particular emphasis on the wireless telecommunications sector. The company is a leading provider of mobile processors, wireless modems, and other semiconductor components used in smartphones, tablets, and other connected devices.
One of Qualcomm's most significant contributions to the mobile industry is its pioneering work in Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology. CDMA played a crucial role in the advancement of mobile communications and became a key standard for 3G and 4G networks, facilitating faster data speeds and increased capacity.
In addition to its semiconductor business, Qualcomm is a major player in the development and licensing of cellular communication technologies, including 3G, 4G, and 5G technologies. The company's extensive patent portfolio and licensing agreements with other technology companies have been instrumental in shaping the global mobile communications landscape.
Qualcomm's commitment to innovation and research and development has resulted in numerous breakthroughs and advancements in mobile technologies. The company invests significantly in research and development to drive the evolution of wireless communications, including the ongoing development of 5G technology and its potential applications in various industries, such as automotive, healthcare, and the Internet of Things (IoT).