Alcatel-Lucent has collaborated with Qualcomm Technologies, a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, to develop small cell base stations, say news reports. This technology is expected to further boost 3G, 4G and Wi-Fi networks and improve wireless connectivity in residential and enterprise environments.

Globally, the increasing demand for gaming and video applications has given a fillip to the demand for smartphones. Keeping this in mind, wireless network operators and operators have begun considering small cells as a viable option to cost-effectively meet the rapidly expanding demand for mobile data capacity and network coverage.

As part of this tie-up, both companies plan to jointly invest in a strategic research and development program to develop the next generation of Alcatel-Lucent lightRadio Small Cell products featuring Qualcomm Technologies’ FSM9900 family of Small Cell chipsets. The investment would be shared by Alcatel-Lucent and Qualcomm Technologies.