Qualcomm Launches Gobi Global Mobile Internet and GPS Solution for Notebook Computers

(Product News, 25 Oct 2007)

Qualcomm Inc. has introduced Gobi global mobile Internet, an embedded solution for notebook computers. Notebooks featuring the multi-mode Gobi solution can take advantage of the high-speed mobile Internet services offered by leading network operators in virtually all parts of the world, as well as GPS. The Gobi solution meets the demand from leading notebook manufacturers for worldwide connectivity capabilities beyond Wi-Fi and is being certified to operate on CDMA2000 EV-DO and UMTS HSPA networks worldwide.

"Gobi-enabled notebook computers with global mobile Internet unify the most important wireless carrier network technologies deployed around the world, providing comprehensive support for all 3GPP and 3GPP2 technologies," said Dr. Sanjay K. Jha, COO of Qualcomm and president of Qualcomm CDMA Technologies. "We are leveraging Qualcomm's expertise in multi-mode wireless chipsets to bring unparalleled connectivity to notebook users, who can now be confident they can instantly access the Internet without searching for a hotspot today."

"HP and Qualcomm share the belief that mobile Internet capability increasingly will be viewed as an essential notebook feature," said Matt Wagner, Director, notebook strategy and planning, Personal Systems Group, HP. "HP welcomes the direction that Qualcomm is taking with the multi-mode Gobi technology, and the improvements it can offer notebook customers in enhanced international roaming and greater choice of mobile operator service."

Oliver Mauss, Global Director of Business Marketing for Vodafone, said: "Vodafone is committed to developing the sector for laptops with built-in 3G broadband in order to meet our customers' growing need for access to data services on the move. This platform is an important step in making this technology even more accessible, and we are working closely with notebook OEMs to help them integrate this platform into their devices."

"We are excited about Qualcomm's technology as it supports our mission to give customers the best wireless experience, whether in the United States or abroad," said Andrea Caldini, Executive Director, product management & development for Verizon Wireless. "Qualcomm's leadership role in bringing Gobi to market is important for customers who have increasingly chosen an embedded wireless solution. Verizon Wireless looks forward to its continued collaborative effort with Qualcomm, Vodafone and the notebook manufacturers on this project."

The embedded Gobi solution for notebook OEMs through Qualcomm customers includes Qualcomm's MDM1000 chipset, associated software and API, and a reference design for a software-defined configurable data module supporting both EV-DO Rev. A and HSPA with full backward compatibility, as well as GPS functionality. By supporting both the 3GPP and 3GPP2 standards, notebook manufacturers can deliver products with global connectivity capabilities while benefiting from greater efficiencies and a simplified user experience.

To make it easier for Qualcomm customers and notebook OEMs to feature the Gobi solution in their notebooks and certify their products with operators, Qualcomm has introduced a common software API with support from numerous connection manager software vendors, including Birdstep Technology AB, Diginext B.V., PCTEL Inc. and Smith-Micro Software Inc.

The Gobi solution is available today, and enterprise and consumer notebooks powered by Gobi are expected to be commercially available in the second quarter of 2008.

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