Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM) is quietly developing a standalone version of LTE Unlicensed, (LTE-U), MuLTEfire, which doesn't rely on licensed spectrum. The technology doesn't require an "anchor" in licensed spectrum like LTE-U and Licensed Assisted Access (LAA) do. LTE-U and LAA have recently come under scrutiny by cable operators, who fear that LTE-U and LAA could offer signal interference to their Wi-Fi networks.
The introduction of Qualcomm's MuLTEfire technology is noteworthy because it would allow companies including cable companies to build LTE networks in unlicensed spectrum. Already, cable companies have shown their interest in building unlicensed networks via their push to create public Wi-Fi networks.
FierceWirelessTech has a full report on Qualcomm's plans here.