Whats Next for Qualcomm?
New York-In recent years, Qualcomm Inc. has been known best, at least in the mind of consumers, for its wireless telephone business. That’s all about to change. It appears that increased competition and consolidation in the wireless handset business has finally taken its toll on the San Diego-based firm’s business. Two weeks ago the company confirmed rumors that it was looking to rid itself of its handset operations and focus more on its code division multiple access (CDMA) chipset business. “With increased competition, parts shortages and industry consolidation reducing margins in consumer products, Qualcomm desires to transition the business to a manufacturer that will support its customer base and employees while providing economies of scale. Discussions are underway with a number of customers that have expressed an interest,” the company said in a statement Sept. 14, sweetening the news by saying it would meet or exceed analysts earnings predictions for the fourth quarter ending Se