Qualcomm’s small investment in Jio Platforms is unlikely to stop at a mere financial investment. Observers are betting on both the entities extending the relationship to other operational aspects, particularly in 5G.

On Sunday, Reliance Industries announced that Qualcomm Ventures will invest up to Rs 730 crore for a 0.15 per cent equity stake in Jio Platforms. Qualcomm is the 12th marquee investor in the digital services arm of Reliance which has mobilised more than Rs 1.18 lakh crore .

Sources said Reliance is inducting players who bring with them expertise that can be adopted to provide high quality digital services in the country.

A press statement from RIL also gives enough indication. “Qualcomm offers deep technology know-how and insights that will help us deliver on our 5G vision and the digital transformation of India for both people and enterprises,’’ it said.

Qualcomm has already signed 85 licence agreements with 5G handset makers around the world. The market for 5G devices is really buzzing in China where 30 per cent of unit sales are 5G devices. Back in April, Qualcomm CEO Steve Mollenkopf had said in a conference call that 71 per cent of all phone models launched in China were 5G-enabled. As India prepares to hurry down the 5G path very soon, an alliance with Qualcomm will come in very handy for Jio should it opt to come out with its “badged” devices.

Qualcomm is behind the 5G-enabled Snapdragon 765, which it says unites 5G and AI.

Sources close to Reliance said: “The company is looking at a long term relationship. However, it is premature to say what form it will take.’’

“Jio is in the initial stages of monetising its potential beyond the wireless service. Jio has competitive advantages with its full stack of services in many verticals... Many of these can be scaled up significantly,’’ a report by Credit Suisse has said.