Qualcomm is furthering its Wireless Reach Initiative, donating cash and CDMA2000 1X EV-DO service and devices to a new hospital in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Qualcomm has pledged a $25,000 cash donation as well as an in-kind donation of 50 CDMA2000 1X EV-DO wireless devices and embedded laptops for use by staff at the new Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital and Research Center. The Dikembe Mutombo Foundation will use the cash donation to purchase medical software, service for the devices, additional devices and IT training.
The Wireless Reach initiative is designed to leverage 3G technology to help empower underserved communities, according to Qualcomm. The initiative creates sustainable 3G projects through partnerships with non-government organizations, universities, government institutions, development agencies and other private sector companies.
The new hospital, the first new medical facility built in the Congo in nearly 40 years, is slated to open Sept. 2.
With the current economic climate, wireless operators face shrinking marketing budgets and reduced consumer spending.
Globally, the credit crunch is very much alive, and operators will be tightening their belts into the foreseeable future by putting off capital purchases.
