$QCOM: 6G Promised by 2028 — Yet $75M Antitrust Settlement Still Casts Shadow

Court: S.D. California

Case: 3:17-cv-00121

Qualcomm QCOM CEO Cristiano Amon said at the Snapdragon Summit that the first 6G pre-commercial devices will arrive in 2028, with consumer-ready hardware closer to 2030. The company is positioning 6G as the backbone for next-gen AI applications, AR glasses, and connected devices, requiring new modems, memory architectures, and NPUs to handle explosive data demands. While the vision reinforces Qualcomm’s central role in mobile infrastructure, investors remain mindful of a $75 million settlement tied to anticompetitive practices and weak financial controls.

• 6G rollout in 2028 for early devices, consumer adoption near 2030.
• AI-driven data surge positioned as core demand driver for 6G.
• Qualcomm chips already power XR glasses, smartwatches, and AI wearables.
• New NPUs and modems required to support agentic AI systems.
• $75M settlement over licensing and reporting practices continues to weigh.

Timeline Overview

• Jan 17, 2017 — FTC files complaint against Qualcomm for anticompetitive conduct.
• Jan 18, 2017 — Reports surface of licensing overcharges and exclusivity deals.
• Jan 19, 2017 — QCOM stock falls 18.3%.
• Jan 23, 2017 — Investors file lawsuit citing unfair practices.
• Nov 8, 2024 — Class period ends.
• 2025 — Qualcomm agrees to a $75M settlement with investors.

Allegations Include

• Overcharging for technology licenses.
• Refusing to license patents under FRAND terms.
• Offering reduced royalties to Apple for exclusivity.
• Weak internal financial reporting practices.

Investor Update

The $75 million settlement closes long-running investor litigation but underscores Qualcomm’s regulatory risks. While its 6G roadmap highlights leadership in wireless evolution, investor confidence will hinge on balancing technological promises with legal and compliance credibility.

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