I’m thrilled to sit down with Vladislav Zaimov, a renowned telecommunications specialist and the VP of Technical Standards at Qualcomm Europe. With a wealth of experience in enterprise telecommunications and risk management of vulnerable networks, Vladislav leads a global team across 20 countries, driving innovation in connectivity, AI, automotive, and more. Today, we’ll dive into the critical role of technology standards in shaping our digital world, explore Qualcomm’s leadership in this space, and discuss groundbreaking advancements in cellular and Wi-Fi technologies that promise to redefine how we connect and interact.
Let’s start with the basics. Can you explain what technology standards are and why they’re so crucial for our increasingly digital world?
Absolutely. Technology standards are essentially agreed-upon frameworks or specifications that ensure different devices, systems, and software can work together seamlessly. Think of them as the common language that allows a smartphone from one brand to connect to a wireless network or pair with earbuds from another. They’re crucial because, without them, we’d have a fragmented digital world where nothing communicates effectively. Standards underpin everything from 5G connectivity to video streaming, ensuring consistency, security, and scalability as we move toward more intelligent, AI-driven experiences.
How do these standards ensure that devices from various manufacturers can interoperate without hiccups?
Standards create a shared blueprint that manufacturers follow, whether they’re building hardware like smartphones or software like operating systems. For instance, when we define protocols for Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, we’re setting rules for how data is transmitted and received. This means a laptop from one company can connect to a router from another without compatibility issues. It’s about creating trust and reliability in the ecosystem, so users don’t have to worry about whether their devices will play nice together—they just do.
In what ways do standards help accelerate the journey of new technologies from concept to consumer hands?
Standards streamline the development process significantly. By providing a clear set of guidelines, they reduce the guesswork for engineers and companies. Instead of starting from scratch, developers can build on established frameworks, which cuts down on trial and error. For example, with 5G standards set by organizations like 3GPP, companies could focus on innovating new features rather than figuring out basic connectivity. This speeds up certification processes too, meaning products hit the market faster and users get to enjoy the latest tech sooner.
How do standards contribute to reducing costs for companies working on cutting-edge technologies?
When you have a common foundation to work from, companies don’t need to reinvent the wheel for every product. Standards provide pre-defined solutions for core technologies, like how data is compressed in video codecs or how memory operates in devices. This means firms can allocate resources to differentiating their products—say, through unique features or design—rather than spending heavily on basic R&D. It’s a cost-effective way to innovate, especially for smaller players who might not have the budget of larger corporations but can still compete on a level playing field.
Can you share a specific example of how standards have fostered growth in the tech ecosystem and created fair opportunities for all players?
Sure, take the evolution of Wi-Fi as an example. Each generation, from Wi-Fi 5 to the current Wi-Fi 7, has been built on open, consensus-driven standards. This openness allows companies of all sizes to participate in the market—whether they’re a giant like Qualcomm or a startup developing niche IoT devices. Everyone has access to the same specs, so they can innovate on top of them. This has led to an explosion of connected devices and applications, from smart homes to industrial automation, while ensuring no single player can dominate through proprietary tech. It’s a win for competition and consumers alike.
As the VP of Technical Standards at Qualcomm Europe, what are the primary focus areas for your global team?
My team operates across a wide range of domains, reflecting the diversity of today’s tech landscape. We’re heavily involved in connectivity—think cellular and Wi-Fi—along with multimedia standards for video and speech compression. AI is another big focus, especially as we integrate intelligence into networks and devices. We also work on automotive standards for connected vehicles and semiconductor standards like memory and storage through groups like JEDEC. Our goal across these areas is to drive innovation that scales globally while ensuring security and accessibility.
How has Qualcomm’s involvement in standards influenced the broader tech industry over the years?
Qualcomm has been at the forefront of shaping technology for decades, from pioneering CDMA in the early days of cellular to defining key aspects of 5G today. Our contributions have often set the direction for entire industries. For instance, our work on LTE and 5G through 3GPP has enabled faster, more reliable mobile networks worldwide, impacting everything from smartphones to IoT. By focusing on open standards, we’ve helped create ecosystems where innovation thrives—not just for us, but for countless other companies building on those foundations.
Can you walk us through how Qualcomm collaborates with other organizations to establish these global standards?
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. We work closely with standards bodies like 3GPP for cellular tech, IEEE for Wi-Fi, and JEDEC for memory standards. Our process involves active participation in working groups where we propose ideas, share research, and debate solutions with other industry players, including competitors. It’s a consensus-driven approach—we’re not dictating terms but contributing to a collective vision. For example, in developing 6G, we’re engaging with global partners to define use cases and technologies that will shape the next decade of connectivity.
What sets Qualcomm’s approach to standards apart from other companies in the industry?
I think it’s our commitment to foundational research combined with a focus on scalability. We invest heavily in early-stage innovation—often years before a technology is commercialized—and then bring those insights to the standards table. What makes us unique is how we balance leadership with openness. We’re not just pushing our own agenda; we aim to create standards that benefit the entire ecosystem. Our track record in areas like 5G and video compression shows we can lead while ensuring others can build on our work without barriers.
Looking at cellular advancements, what are some of the key innovations Qualcomm has brought to the table, especially with 5G and beyond?
We’ve been instrumental in every generation of cellular tech, from CDMA to 5G. With 5G, we’ve contributed to core elements like waveforms, channel coding, and MIMO, which improve speed and efficiency. We’ve also pushed boundaries with new use cases—think IoT for low-power devices and sidelink for direct device-to-device communication. Now, as we look to 6G, we’re exploring concepts like AI-native air interfaces, where machine learning optimizes network performance in real time. It’s about making networks smarter and more adaptive to user needs.
Wi-Fi has come a long way as well. How has Qualcomm helped shape its evolution, particularly with something like Wi-Fi 7?
Wi-Fi has transformed from a simple access tool to a backbone for high-performance connectivity, and Qualcomm has played a key role in defining each step. With Wi-Fi 7, we helped introduce features like Multi-Link Operation, which lets devices connect over multiple frequency bands simultaneously for faster speeds and lower latency. This is a game-changer for things like gaming or augmented reality, where every millisecond counts. Our focus has always been on enhancing user experience while ensuring reliability, whether in homes or industrial settings.
Finally, what is your forecast for the future of wireless technology, especially as we move toward 6G and Wi-Fi 8?
I’m incredibly excited about what’s ahead. With 6G, we’re looking at a future where intelligence is embedded directly into networks—think AI optimizing connections on the fly or integrated sensing that allows devices to “see” their environment through radio waves. Wi-Fi 8 will push ultra-reliable, low-latency connections even further, supporting real-time applications like extended reality or industrial automation. Overall, I see wireless tech becoming more seamless, blending terrestrial and satellite systems to create a truly connected world where transformative experiences are accessible to everyone, everywhere.
