Both the giants are awaiting approval since the technology is believed to interfere with Wi-Fi, which they plan to prove otherwise

QUALCOMM Inc. (NASDAQ:QCOM) and T-Mobile US Inc (NASDAQ:TMUS) are waiting for approval to hold small test for their LTE-U equipment in controlled environments. Qualcomm has applied for special temporary authority to the FCC to let it conduct the tests. Last year, the FCC sought information on the technology after its potential impact on Wi-Fi was highlighted but did grant Qualcomm and STA in January to conduct LTE-U equipment tests with Verizon, making it likely for the request for T-Mobile tests to be granted.

Qualcomm is seeking the STA to test LTE-U equipment for development purposes. The equipment is still pre-commercialization and is being tested in the field but in highly controlled environments. Qualcomm believes that the tests outside the lab and in the field are essential to fully develop LTE-U technology, which will ultimately benefit consumers in the future.

Qualcomm maintains that their LTE-U will not adversely affect Wi-Fi in any way. The company claims to have thoroughly tested the technology with partner companies like T-Mobile which have centered around allowing Wi-Fi and LTE-U technologies to coexistent without creating disruption to one or the other.

This, however, has not silenced concerns, especially of the FCC which has been cautious in regards to the LTE-U technology and last year asked for information regarding its impact on Wi-Fi. In their STA application for the T-Mobile tests, Qualcomm assured the FCC that the test will be overseen by all members of the Wi-Fi Alliance who will provide technical collaboration and controlled field conditions to make sure that Wi-Fi and LTE-U coexistence reaches the appropriate standards.

Qualcomm and T-Mobile will be trying out a range of different chipsets and radio infrastructures as well as working with a number of different partners for the trial, according to T-Mobile.

In truth, the FCC should not have any major objections since Qualcomm is currently only testing prototypes in controlled and heavily monitored settings. The FCC has already allowed Qualcomm to carry out a test earlier in January through an STA and unless new information has emerged regarding Wi-Fi and LTE-U coexistence, it has no reason to block the way for a new technology to be tested.