QUALCOMM introduces QCMobility Pilot Beacon unit; new infrastructure product provides optimal solution for reliable and predictable CDMA mobile communications

Business Wire, Sept 19, 1996

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 19, 1996--QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM) Thursday announced its QCMobility Pilot Beacon unit, offering CDMA service providers a cost-effective method for seamless hard handoff within or between operating wireless networks.

Serving as a trigger mechanism for CDMA-to-AMPS as well as CDMA-to-CDMA hard handoff, the Pilot Beacon unit can be deployed in any CDMA market to maximize coverage and capacity.

When deployed in perimeter analog cell sites bordering CDMA coverage areas, the Pilot Beacon unit sends out a pilot channel, which is detected by the CDMA mobile phone, and reports it back to the base station. The CDMA base station then ensures that the call is successfully handed off from the CDMA system to the analog system. Similarly, the Pilot Beacon unit can also initiate handoff from one CDMA carrier's network to another network operating in either the same or different frequencies.

"QUALCOMM recognized the need for a product that will allow CDMA service providers to offer superior, seamless service to their subscribers traveling outside of their home CDMA network," said Chris Simpson, senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing for QUALCOMM's CDMA Wireless Infrastructure group. "The QCMobility Pilot Beacon unit has been specifically developed to respond to this market need."

Interoperable with all CDMA digital cellular (IS-95A) or Personal Communications Services (J-STD-008) infrastructure, CDMA service providers can now offer their subscribers a ubiquitous coverage area, while decreasing equipment expenditure. Replacing a minimally configured CDMA base station with the QCMobility Pilot Beacon unit where pilot assisted handoff is required, allows CDMA operators to immediately realize cost savings while optimizing the footprint of their CDMA network.

With headquarters in San Diego, QUALCOMM develops, manufactures, markets, licenses and operates advanced communications systems and products based on its proprietary digital wireless technologies.

The company's primary product areas are the OmniTRACS system (a geostationary satellite-based, mobile communications system providing two-way data and position reporting services), CDMA wireless communications systems and products and, in conjunction with others, the development of the Globalstar low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite communications system.

Other company products include Eudora Pro electronic mail software, ASIC products and communications equipment and systems for government and commercial customers worldwide. For more information on QUALCOMM products and technologies, please visit the company's Web site at http://www.qualcomm.com/

QCMobility is a trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. OmniTRACS is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. Globalstar is a trademark of Globalstar, L.P. Eudora is a registered trademark of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, licensed to QUALCOMM Incorporated.

CONTACT: QUALCOMM

Julie Cunningham (Corporate Communications)

619/658-4224 (ph)

619/658-4957 (fax)

email: juliec@qualcomm.com

or

Molly Foerster (Investor Relations)

619/658-4844 (ph)

619/658-2501 (fax)

email: mfoerster@qualcomm.com