Semiconductor Shortage Showing Signs of Easing for Wireless Communications

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(Image credit: Pixabay)

BOSTON—While the ongoing semiconductor shortage continues to pose problems for a wide range of tech companies, Strategy Analytics is predicting an easing of the semiconductor shortage for wireless telecommunications companies. 

In the new Strategy Analytics RF & Wireless Components service report, “The Impact of the Semiconductor Shortage on Wireless Telecoms,” the researchers note that wireless telecommunications has escaped the worst effects of the semiconductor shortage, and that semiconductors for cellular infrastructure equipment will continue to dodge significant shortages going forward. 

In addition, availability of chips for Wi-Fi access points and cellular phones will continue to improve through next year, the company reported. 

“Tight supplies of semiconductors will gradually ease through the remainder of 2022 into 2023 as new foundry capacity comes online,” explained Christopher Taylor, director of the Strategy Analytics RF & Wireless Components service. “For example, China increased its production of semiconductors by more than 17 percent in 2021, and production expansion in China will accelerate this year helping to ease the global shortage. Semiconductor investments in the U.S., EU, S. Korea, India, and other countries have also started to bear fruit, with the most significant capacity expansions due to start in 2023.”

Stephen Entwistle, vice president of strategic technologies at Strategy Analytics, added that “Despite temporary rolling COVID-19 lockdowns in some countries, better control of the pandemic will reduce the rates of new pandemic cases through the remainder of 2022. This will help in the expansion of staffing at semiconductor and electronics production plants and stabilize consumer demand for wireless products.”

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George Winslow

George Winslow is the senior content producer for TV Tech. He has written about the television, media and technology industries for nearly 30 years for such publications as Broadcasting & Cable, Multichannel News and TV Tech. Over the years, he has edited a number of magazines, including Multichannel News International and World Screen, and moderated panels at such major industry events as NAB and MIP TV. He has published two books and dozens of encyclopedia articles on such subjects as the media, New York City history and economics.