Qualcomm forms alliance with NASSCOM

Bangalore, July 28 (UNI) US-based Qualcomm Incorporated, a leading developer and innovator of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and other advanced wireless technologies, will supply CDMA2000-based wireless Internet connectivity solutions to 65 Village Resource Centres (VRCs) under NASSCOM's rural Knowledge Network Program.

Qualcomm had reached an alliance with NASSCOM Foundation in this regard, according to a release by Qualcomm here today.

The NASSCOM's Rural Knowledge Network Program supported India's larger national initiative, Mission 2007, to establish 600,000 VRCs by August 15, 2007 conciding with the country's 60th year of Independence.

The alliance aimed at empowering communities that have limited or no telecommunication access through the use of 3G technologies, which would help contribute to long term socio-economic development.

Under the scope of this alliance, NASSCOM and Qualcomm would provide connectivity and content to centres in the States of West Bengal, Orissa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Gujarat and Kerala.

Qualcomm President (India and SAARC) Kanwalinder Singh, commenting on the alliance, said ''Though wireless teledensity in India has grown exponentially, there is a huge disparity between urban and rural connectivity. CDMA 2000 enables both voice and data, it is best suited to provide comprehensive connectivity to rural India and it would enable inclusive growth and development for the benefit of these undeserved citizens.'' NASSCOM Foundation Chairman Saurabh Srivastava said ''We recognise the role of telecommunications in empowering societies and its positive impact on human development indicators.'' UNI MSP RG GM1608