Qualcomm has signed memorandums of understanding for sales worth at least $2 billion with Lenovo Group, Guangdong OPPO Mobile Telecommunications Corp, vivo Communication Technology and Xiaomi Communications.
The Chinese firms expressed an interest in buying Qualcomm components with a total value of no less than $2 billion over three years, the U.S. chip maker said on Thursday.
The non-binding agreement will be subject to further agreements and covers technology related to RF Front-End components, Qualcomm said.
The companies unveiled the multi-year agreement at a Qualcomm-hosted event in Beijing.
Qualcomm Technologies' RFFE components constitute a portfolio of system-level modem-to-antenna RF front-end platform solutions. The scope of Qualcomm Technologies' broad RF front-end platform include GaAs Power Amplifiers (PA), Envelope Trackers, Multi-Mode PA and modules, RF switches, discrete filters and filter-rich modules, and antenna tuners across cellular and connectivity technologies.
In addition to today's MoUs, Qualcomm Technologies shared information surrounding its upcoming 5G Tunable RF front-end as part of its 5G roadmap. The 5G Tunable RF front-end is designed to enable OEMs to differentiate their 5G products with thinner design, higher performing system-level expertise and 5G product readiness.
The U.S. company also announced the "5G Pioneer" Initiative. Qualcomm will also work together with leading Chinese manufacturers in an initiative to support China's smartphone industry for the global opportunities that will be made available by 5G and introduce 5G New Radio (NR) standard-compliant commercial devices expected as early as 2019.
Representatives from Lenovo Group Ltd., Guangdong OPPO Mobile Telecommunications Corp., Ltd., vivo Communication Technology Co., Ltd., Xiaomi Communications Co., Ltd., ZTE Corporation and Wingtech Technology Co., Ltd. joined Qualcomm Incorporated president Cristiano Amon on stage to give support to working together on this initiative. These companies aim to accelerate the availability of commercial 5G premium tier devices expected in 2019.