History of Qualcomm
Qualcomm was founded in 1985 in San Diego, California, by seven industry veterans, including Irwin
Jacobs and Andrew Viterbi. The company initially focused on satellite communication technologies,
developing products for trucking and fleet management industries. Its first major success came from
the OmniTRACS satellite system, which helped trucking companies track vehicles across the U.S. This
system laid the foundation for Qualcomm’s growth and innovative approach to wireless communication.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Qualcomm shifted focus toward cellular technology,
specifically developing Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology. CDMA was a breakthrough
that allowed more calls and data to pass through a single communication channel, greatly improving
cellular network capacity. This innovation led Qualcomm to become a significant player in mobile
communication, especially after CDMA was adopted as a standard by major U.S. carriers. By 1995,
Qualcomm had licensed CDMA to telecom companies worldwide, further solidifying its influence in the
industry.
As mobile technology advanced, Qualcomm continued to pioneer new developments,
especially in mobile processors and chipsets. The company launched the Snapdragon series of mobile
processors, which quickly became a staple in smartphones globally. Qualcomm's innovations in 3G, 4G,
and 5G technologies also cemented its reputation as a leader in wireless communication. Today,
Qualcomm plays a central role in 5G development, powering devices across industries, from
smartphones and IoT devices to automotive and industrial applications. The company continues to
expand its reach, investing in emerging tech areas like AI, VR, and robotics, shaping the future of
digital connectivity.