NTT Ltd and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc have joined hands to accelerate the development of the 5G device ecosystem, a critical component in powering Artificial Intelligence (AI). As industries continue their rapid digitization efforts, the demand for connectivity and 5G-enabled devices has never been greater. NTT and Qualcomm Technologies are poised to meet this demand head-on by prioritizing the development of 5G-enabled devices that will fuel innovation across various sectors, from manufacturing to logistics, automotive, and beyond.
Private 5G networks are poised to be the backbone of future technological advancements. IDC estimates that the private 5G market will exceed a staggering $8 billion by 2026. NTT and Qualcomm Technologies recognize the significance of this emerging market and have committed to spearheading its growth. By combining Qualcomm Technologies’ leadership in application-specific semiconductors and cutting-edge 5G chipsets with NTT’s expertise in private 5G networks, this partnership will strengthen the 5G ecosystem and drive innovation across industries.
With digitization becoming the norm, enterprises are increasingly in need of more connectivity and a plethora of new devices. NTT and Qualcomm Technologies are taking up this challenge by leveraging their combined expertise to develop 5G-enabled devices tailored for specific use cases. These devices will support a wide array of applications, including push-to-talk devices, augmented reality headsets, computer vision cameras, and sensors at the edge. The impact of these developments will be felt across industries such as manufacturing, automotive, logistics, and more.
Shahid Ahmed, Executive Vice President, New Ventures & Innovation at NTT Ltd., emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “This collaboration is truly an exciting one because we are answering the demand we’re hearing from our clients. Together with Qualcomm Technologies, we will strengthen the 5G ecosystem, delivering the devices our customers require in a simple and cost-effective way, empowering them as they continue along their digital transformation journey.”
Mark Bidinger, President, Commercial & Industrial Segments & Channels at Schneider Electric, also praised the collaboration, highlighting its role in advancing private 5G adoption: “NTT’s collaboration with Qualcomm represents a significant step forward in advancing private 5G adoption and meeting the unique demands of the Internet of Things and Machine Learning.”
For AI to scale and have a profound impact on enterprise operations, it must extend beyond the cloud and operate at the edge of the network. Qualcomm Technologies’ silicon includes built-in AI and machine learning models, making it perfectly suited to drive AI capabilities at the edge. The experience and expertise of Qualcomm Technologies in scaling AI technology span various devices and applications, from smartphones and laptops to sensors, automotive solutions, and networking.
Jeffery Torrance, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Connected Smart Systems at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., said, “Qualcomm Technologies’ 5G chipsets are prepared for the widespread adoption of AI applications at the edge and, together with NTT, we’ll enhance innovative change across the 5G device ecosystem.”
Qualcomm Technologies and NTT will work together to deliver 5G-ready devices with Qualcomm Technologies’ 5G chipsets featuring AI models built-in. These devices will enhance AI at the edge through applications such as image recognition. Capabilities will range from counting items and identifying object characteristics to verifying workers wearing safety masks or hardhats (PPE). By deploying AI applications through NTT’s Edge as a Service, enterprises will improve workplace safety, optimization, and security.
As part of NTT’s comprehensive Edge as a Service offering, the company is now providing managed services for Device as a Service. This initiative makes it easy for customers to access, upgrade, and recycle 5G and edge devices, simplifying device lifecycle management and reducing IT maintenance and costs. The cost-effective per-user, per-month fee model allows enterprises to deploy edge devices at scale without the burden of large upfront capital investments, streamlining the path to innovation.
The partnership between NTT Ltd. and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. represents a significant leap forward in advancing the 5G device ecosystem and AI at the edge. As industries continue to embrace digitization and the Internet of Things, this collaboration will play a pivotal role in shaping a more digital, sustainable, and innovative future. By prioritizing the development of 5G-enabled devices and integrating AI capabilities at the edge, NTT and Qualcomm Technologies are not only meeting the demands of today but also shaping the possibilities of tomorrow.
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