Qualcomm is counting on the TD-LTE opportunity. It is working hard to make TD-SCDMA [3G in China] Progress towards TD-LTE, 4G technology as well as GSM operators' WCDMA converge with TD-LTE. Multiple factors could be behind the TD-LTE-centric strategy, including IPR issues and market outlook. However, the big push for Qualcomm is the support of multiple operators including Reliance Infotel and Airtel in India along with China Mobile and Softbank in Japan.

iPhone could be a catalyst in 2012. Apple’s next iPhone could be a catalyst for TD-LTE in 2012. Expect the next iPhone to use Qualcomm’s 28nm MDM9x15 chip, which supports both TD-LTE and TDSCDMA standards. While it is too early to say which approach is likely to gain more traction, we believe the launch of a TD-LTE capable iPhone could favour the TD-LTE approach.