In the beginning, cell phones were used just for talking. Today, wireless devices offer seamless mobility between entertainment and productivity, thanks to the high-speed data rates of WCDMA (Wideband CDMA ) and HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) networks.

WCDMA and HSPA are the standards developed by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). WCDMA offers high-capacity voice and data services, while HSPA is an excellent mobile broadband solution.

HSPA was introduced in two releases – HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access, also referred to as Rel. 5) and HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access, also referred to as Rel. 6). HSDPA, with its broadband downlink, allows instant download of emails with large attachments, files, pictures, and videos as well as smooth execution of other downlink-intensive applications. HSUPA introduces high-speed uplink. HSPA, combining the powers of HSDPA and HSUPA, enables operators to offer cost-effective mobile broadband services. HSPA's higher data rates, lower latency, and QoS support offer anywhere anytime access to rich multimedia services, push-to-media, interactive gaming, video and audio downloads, and more.

HSPA has a strong and well established evolution path with HSPA+, comprised of Rel. 7, 8, 9, and beyond. HSPA+ builds on HSPA's success and further enhances the broadband experience while significantly increasing voice and data capacity.

Qualcomm and its partners are making HSPA+ Rel. 7 commercial in Q1 2009.

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