QUALCOMM opened its African hub based in Johannesburg, South Africa, to enable the growth and success of commercial 3G wireless systems based on the CDMA2000 and WCDMA standards in 27 countries across the African continent.

As 3G wireless rapidly gains momentum and QUALCOMM continues to expand throughout Africa, the Johannesburg office will serve as a valuable strategic center of operations.

“QUALCOMM is focused on helping African countries improve their access to and usage of advanced voice and data services via 3G wireless technology, with a view to driving Africa’s technology revolution in a sustainable manner which will ultimately lead to increased economic growth and competitiveness of the African continent,” said Jeff Jacobs, president, global development for QUALCOMM.

QUALCOMM’s new office will also serve as a base for implementing Wireless Reach projects, which seek to empower underserved communities through the use of 3G wireless technologies to strengthen economic and social development.