Qualcomm has delivered an over-the-air (OTA) connection via its MuLTEfire system, for running LTE in unlicensed spectrum, using listen-before-talk (LBT) for the first time. Support for LBT is essential to operate in bands like 5 GHz in many parts of the world including Europe. The industry is well aware of the huge potential for disruption which could come with allowing LTE to work in unlicensed spectrum, by gifting LTE opportunities to companies without owning even the tiniest chunk of spectrum. But the significance of this week’s announcement is that the successful test with LBT means MuLTEfire could be used worldwide if regulators agree, and not just in the US, which does not require LBT, and where MuLTEfire has mainly been…