In an interview with CNBC-TV18, Cristiano Amon, President and CEO of Qualcomm Inc., spoke about everything from the expansion of 5G to the emergence of generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) and semiconductor manufacturing. He shared his ambitious vision for India’s technology future.
With a focus on innovation and collaboration, Amon’s insights highlight Qualcomm’s pivotal role in shaping India’s technology landscape.
“We want to see 5G coverage continue to expand in India and we want to see many 5G services. 5G is the only option for mobile consumers that can support high speeds and unlimited data rates. Technology. We see a lot of 5G phones now, but they are premium, high-tier phones, so the majority of people buy 4G phones. We all have 5G phones. We want to be able to experience this, and we believe there are two vectors that will make this possible.
One is that 5G networks are becoming more modern and there is an opportunity for Indian carriers to invest in so-called standalone (SA) networks. If we can do that, then we have the opportunity to be able to offer some of these 5G devices at very attractive prices, and that’s what we’re working on. We will be announcing chipsets soon and, working with our ecosystem of partners, we believe we can build devices at these price points as early as the second half of this year,” Amon said.
From real-time language translation to innovative photography features, Amon predicts that Gen-AI will usher in a new era where devices are seamlessly integrated into everyday life, moving beyond the limitations of the traditional app-centric model. Masu.
Qualcomm plans to further expand its presence, aiming to support India’s efforts to establish a geographically diversified and resilient supply chain. Qualcomm seeks to solidify its position as a key contributor to India’s technology growth by collaborating with Indian manufacturers and promoting opportunities in the semiconductor sector.
In addition to mobile and semiconductor technology, Amon highlighted Qualcomm’s efforts in automotive connectivity. Qualcomm aims to revolutionize the driving experience in India with a significant pipeline of contracted projects and anticipated revenue. From cloud connectivity to digital cockpit enhancements, Amon outlined Qualcomm’s goal of integrating Gen-AI into automotive platforms and enabling seamless interaction between driver and vehicle.
Looking ahead, Amon reiterated Qualcomm’s commitment to providing connected experiences to Indian consumers. Qualcomm envisions a future where technology is seamlessly integrated into everyday life, from ubiquitous 5G coverage to immersive digital cockpit environments.
Watch the accompanying video for the entire conversation.


