Qualcomm lauded Japan\'s mobile operators as the number of 3G CDMA subscribers broke the 100 million mark as of last April based on a recent report of the Telecommunications Carriers Association.
Paul E. Jacobs, Qualcomm chairman and CEO, said such achievement was a significant milestone for the Japanese wireless industry where mobile operators and OEMs are known globally for their cutting-edge technologies and services.
"This strategy has made Japan one of world\'s leading markets for wireless data services, demonstrating the power of 3G CDMA to change the way people live," Jacobs said.
He added that Qualcomm celebrates the achievement and will continue to provide the Japanese market with innovative technologies that enable future market growth.
"On behalf of Qualcomm, I would like to express our appreciation to our operator, device manufacturer and application and content provider partners for reaching this milestone," said Jun Yamada, chairman and president of Qualcomm Japan.
"Qualcomm is very proud of its regional collaborations and its role in helping to expand 3G CDMA in Japan," Yamada said. "We look forward to working even more closely with our partners to reach the next industry milestone."
3G CDMA service in Japan started with the launch of the world\'s first WCDMA commercial service by NTT DOCOMO, INC. in October 2001.
KDDI\'s launched the CDMA2000 1X followed in April 2002 while Softbank Mobile launched the WCDMA in December 2002 and Emobile the the HSDPA in March 2007.