Rafael Microelectronics has outlined its revenue performance for 2024 and future growth strategies, highlighting steady shipment and revenue growth for its wideband RF product line, driven by a solid customer base and increasing penetration with global brands.

The explosive growth in AI adoption has created opportunities beyond traditional computing sectors, with networking suppliers emerging as major beneficiaries. While Broadcom, a leader in wireless networking chips and prominent ASIC provider, gains attention for its AI ASIC growth, Taiwan-based networking switch makers like Accton and Senao Networks are discovering new growth avenues through AI servers.

Nokia laid out an ambitious roadmap for 6G development and network innovation at a recent Taiwan event, forecasting explosive growth in bandwidth demand and a shift toward AI-driven telecommunications platforms.

The US House of Representatives is preparing to vote on the fiscal year 2025 national defense budget, which includes a US$3 billion provision aimed at helping US telecoms completely remove Chinese-supplied equipment. The measure specifically targets Huawei and SMIC equipment to prevent potential network communication attacks from Chinese hackers.

Smartphone shipments underperformed in the second half of 2024, particularly with Android momentum in China slowing compared with the first half of the year. As a result, Taiwanese power amplifier (PA) supply chain players have experienced weak performance in the past two quarters, pushing related players to focus on developing low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite products.

The rapid growth of generative AI (GenAI) and its proliferating applications is driving the need for telecom operators to optimize and expand their 5G systems. According to Ericsson's 2024 Global Consumer 5G Report, released on December 5 in Taiwan, this trend presents significant opportunities for telecom operators and equipment vendors as 5G users increasingly demand differentiated network connectivity services.

Recently, Huawei's executive director and chairman of the board of directors of the consumer business group (BG), Richard Yu, announced that the new foldable flagship smartphone, Mate X6, will feature a triple-network satellite version. In addition to supporting two-way satellite messaging and two-way calling, the device will now also incorporate low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet.

Drawing from his first term, US President-elect Donald Trump's latest tariff threats targeting key trading partners—China, Mexico, and Canada—are signaling a strategic opening for negotiations rather than a definitive plan for implementation.

Wi-Fi 7 shipments have accelerated significantly in the second half of 2024, and industry experts expect Wi-Fi 7 penetration rates to grow in 2025, with upgrades to consumer devices, routers, and even basic infrastructure picking up pace even amid sluggishness in the general economy.

Japanese space communications pioneers are charting an alternative path in the global satellite internet race, pushing beyond traditional satellite networks with a comprehensive strategy that spans from ocean to space. The initiative aims to address the growing demands of Beyond 5G/6G communications while facilitating the transition to a decentralized society.

Worldwide spending on telecommunications and pay TV services will reach US$1,544 billion in 2024, representing an increase of 2.4% year-on-year, according to the Worldwide Semiannual Telecom Services Tracker published by IDC. The latest prediction is 1pp higher than the version published in the May edition of IDC's Tracker. If that forecast becomes reality, the above-mentioned annual growth rate would be the highest recorded in the last 12 years.

Accton has announced its board's approval for an investment in InLC Technology (InLC). This long-term investment aims to strengthen the R&D of foundational optical communication technology products, preparing for the anticipated demand for all-optical communication over the next three to five years.

Dixon Electro and Nokia have officially launched the manufacturing of fixed broadband devices in India. The collaboration will focus on producing GPON, 5G FWA, and Mesh Wi-Fi devices, all capable of delivering up to one gigabit per second per home.

Accton Technology, Taiwan's leading provider of data center switches and networking solutions, is significantly increasing its investments in optical communication technology to support the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) applications requiring faster data transfer speeds.

The US presidential election has concluded, with Trump's return to the White House drawing global attention. As observers worldwide monitor how the new administration's policies may reshape the international landscape, Pegatron Chairman Tzu-hsien Tung commented in an interview that a "new triad of ideologies"—isolationism, populism, and protectionism—is taking shape, forecasting increased turbulence in global affairs.

The patent dispute between Lenovo and ZTE is intensifying. On October 21, Lenovo filed a patent infringement lawsuit against ZTE in the UK High Court. A week later, ZTE responded, citing prolonged licensing negotiations with Lenovo and expressing surprise over Lenovo's choice to litigate in the UK, while also respecting their decision.

Samsung Electronics (Samsung) has released its financial report for the third quarter of 2024, revealing a 14.5% year-over-year decline in operating profit for its Mobile Experience (MX) division. While revenue from new products such as smartphones, tablets, and wearables contributed to growth, rising costs and inflation have dampened demand recovery, leading to decreased profitability.

Major Taiwan-based IC design companies, such as MediaTek, Realtek, and Parade, are slated to have quarterly investor meetings this week to discuss their market view and visibility, which will define the overall market picture for 2025.

Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) launched the first test of a domestically-made high altitude platform station(HAPS) in Taitung, aiming to bolster the island's communication resilience.

The Indian government's decision to allocate spectrum for satellite broadband rather than auctioning brings Elon Musk's Starlink one step closer to launching in India.

AI development has only recently begun, yet two significant business opportunities already lie ahead: AI PCs and AI infrastructure, said Lenovo Group chairman and CEO Yuan-qing Yang.

Thanks to the strategic efforts of telecom giants like Huawei, China has made rapid advances in 5G, building an expansive patent portfolio across network infrastructure. As the industry eyes the 6G era, collaboration between the US, EU, Japan, and South Korea is becoming critical. Taiwan, with its notable progress in 5G Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) backed by government support, is now positioned as a strong partner for US and EU 6G concept validation efforts.

As the US, EU, China, Japan, and South Korea race toward 6G technology, Taiwan, supported by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), is focusing on two key 6G projects scheduled for completion in 2025 and 2027, aligning with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) timeline, according to Tzong-lin Wu, Dean of the College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at National Taiwan University (NTU).

The China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) recently published the Research Report on Global 5G Standard Essential Patents and Standard Proposals (2024), revealing significant developments in the 5G patent landscape.

Wanzhou Meng has resumed her role as Huawei's rotating chairwoman, further cementing her position as the company's top leader, second only to founder and CEO Zhengfei Ren. Her reappointment underscores her continued ascent within Huawei's leadership structure.