--- markdown_generated_at: "2026-10-14" title: "Cellphone: Unseen Connections Exhibit." url: "https://www.qualcomm.com/research/cellphone-unseen-connections" --- # Cellphone: Unseen Connections Exhibit. ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/Hero-desktop?fmt=webp-alpha&qlt=85&wid=1440&fit=fit,1) ### Lead sponsor of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History’s ## Supporting the National Museum of Natural History. Qualcomm is proud to be the lead sponsor in the Smithsonian’s effort to showcase how mobile technology has changed the world. Mobile phones are built on tens of thousands of inventions, something we’ve played a key role in throughout time. We are driven by the power and possibilities you can hold in the palm of your hand. Get a peek at the unseen connections behind every mobile phone and the technology that drives it. [Learn more](https://naturalhistory.si.edu/exhibits/cellphone-unseen-connections) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/smithsonian-img?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/patent-drawing-texture?fmt=webp-alpha&qlt=85&wid=1440&fit=fit,1) ## Qualcomm’s history of innovation. We are honored to support the Smithsonian’s efforts to tell the story of how mobile technology has transformed the world. We believe cell phones have positively changed the way we communicate with each other and the world around us. This exhibition has us reflecting on our own history of technological innovation and the impact we’ve made. Here’s a glimpse at our nearly 40 years of work; key moments of change we’re proud to represent. - **1985**: Qualcomm Incorporated is founded - **1989**: **Qualcomm Incorporated places first Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) call** - **1998**: **First commercial smart phone released** Using the CDMA technological advancements, we helped launch pdQ. - **1999**: **The United Nations approves** Our CDMA technology gets approved globally as the basis for 3G. - **2003**: **Wireless broadband evolves** We enabled handset use of video conferencing, streaming, music, gaming, and camera. - **2007**: **Mobile chipset leader** We became the world’s leading mobile chipset provider; introducing the Snapdragon® technology. - **2010**: **3G connections surpass 1 billion** - **2011**: **Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform launches** - **2013**: **The first LTE-Advanced smartphone** - **2016**: **First commercial chipset designed with speeds up to 1 Gbps** - **2017-2018**: **Introduction of first 5G modem** Connecting with industry partners across the globe through 5G trials. ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/Irwin-headshot?fmt=webp-alpha&qlt=85&wid=1800&fit=fit,1) Dr. Irwin Jacobs, Co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of Qualcomm Incorporated “We are here because some day everyone will have their own phone number.” – Dr. Irwin Jacobs, Co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of Qualcomm Incorporated, 1985 ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/Susie-headshot?fmt=webp-alpha&qlt=85&wid=1800&fit=fit,1) Susie Armstrong, SVP, Engineering, Qualcomm Incorporated ## The innovative minds of Qualcomm. Four of the inventors featured in the Smithsonian’s exhibition are among thousands of Qualcomm Technologies' engineers who’ve made a huge impact in a short time. Engineers developing breakthroughs in 4G and 5G communications; building the foundation of wireless technology for a vast number of industries and consumers across the globe. ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/Lola_inventor?fmt=webp-alpha&qlt=85&wid=1800&fit=fit,1) ### Lola Awoniyi-Oteri *Engineer, Principal/Manager, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.* Key Innovation: Improved connectivity performance, reduced network and power consumption Patents: 250+ ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/Christina_inventor?fmt=webp-alpha&qlt=85&wid=1800&fit=fit,1) ### Christine Zhang *Engineer, Principal, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.* Key Innovation: Enabled intelligent Wi-Fi sensing and location capabilities for human identification, biometric monitoring, and high-accuracy indoor location. Patents: 150+ ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/Hung_inventor?fmt=webp-alpha&qlt=85&wid=1800&fit=fit,1) ### Hung Ly *Engineer, Senior Staff, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.* Key Innovation: 5G mobility and green networks Patents: 650+ ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/Kamal_inventor?fmt=webp-alpha&qlt=85&wid=1800&fit=fit,1) ### Kamal Sahota *SVP, Engineering Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.* Key Innovation: 4G/5G radio frequency circuit design Patents: 430+ ## Risk-taking is in our DNA. ![Qualcomm-image](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/Qualcomm-crew-van?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) ## **Making the first CDMA call in 1989.** We took the technology of the trucking industry’s two-way satellite-based data and brought it to the mobile phone. To test it out, we took our 30-pound “phone,” stuffed it in the back of a van, and made calls on the go across San Diego, California. ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/CDMA-image?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) ## **Investing in 5G.** As mobile technology advances to increase the supply of wireless broadband, new applications, business models and life-changing functionality follows. That what drives us in our contributions to 5G and what pushes us to never stop innovating. ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/Investing-in-5G-image?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) ## **Worldwide collaboration & adoption leads to progress.** ![Qualcomm-image](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/Collaboration-Adoption-image?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) ### **Our R&D defines where tomorrow leads.** Always developing new patents to push possibilities further. ### **We welcome every opportunity in the ecosystem.** Welcoming minds and inspiration outside our walls. ### **We carve the path to new global standards.** Defining tech requirements for each generation of wireless. ## **Looking into the future.** Qualcomm is committed to the next generation of innovators and technologists. See how our love for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) helps educate, inspire, and open opportunities for the minds of the future. [Learn more](https://www.qualcomm.com/company/corporate-responsibility/empowering-digital-transformation/stem-education) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/Looking-into-future-image?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha)