Ericsson announced on January 14 that 5G Standalone (SA) and 5G advanced networks are poised to become the next major focus for the mobile industry. This shift comes as telecom operators seek to adopt performance-driven business models and provide differentiated services for customers.
Wireless communication technology is rapidly evolving, driven by the demand for higher transmission speeds, lower latency, and wider coverage. However, meeting the demand while also adhering to global net-zero emission and energy conservation targets presents a significant challenge. This raises the critical question: how can the industry maximize speed, efficiency, and coverage while minimizing power consumption, especially in the AI-driven 6G era?
Taiwan is gearing up for next-generation 6G research and development, with the National Science Council (NSC) prioritizing three sectors in the IMT-2030 framework.
Donald Trump's return to the US presidency, coupled with his appointment of hawkish cabinet members focused on China, signals the likelihood of escalated trade and technology sanctions against Chinese firms. Huawei, a key target during Trump's first term, is expected to face renewed pressure under his administration.
Taiwanese network communication manufacturers report no immediate impact from the US-China trade war on orders but remain optimistic about long-term opportunities driven by geopolitical shifts. They view new technologies like Wi-Fi 7, 10G-PON, DOCSIS 4.0, and AI as pivotal growth drivers for 2025, offering more predictable prospects than geopolitical uncertainties.
On December 24, 2024, Taiwan-based mobility solutions leader Line Go hosted a media event where Chairman and CEO Lin Chun-sheng detailed the current state of Taiwan's Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) industry and the company's 2025 development plans.
IC distributor Sunnic Technology & Merchandise is expanding its CMOS image sensor (CIS) business in India while diversifying into service businesses focused on unmanned automation and smart healthcare solutions.
Taiwan's entry into the 5G era began in February 2020 with the licensing of 1.8 GHz, 3.5 GHz, and 28 GHz frequency bands. The 28 GHz band was positioned as a gateway for millimeter wave (mmWave) technology, promising ultra-reliable low-latency communication, enhanced mobile broadband, and massive machine-type communication.
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 US government has launched a national- security investigation into TP-Link, the China-founded router maker whose equipment now dominates the American market and has been targeted in repeated Chinese cyber attacks, people familiar with the matter said.
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.
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.
It is highly likely that the iPhone SE 4, set to be launched in early 2025, will come with Apple's in-house developed 5G modem. Still, sources from the upstream supply chain believe it will take some time before the chip's performance can catch up with the competition of leading suppliers.
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.
Driven by robust data center demand from major US tech companies, Taiwan's optical communication solutions provider Ezconn expects to achieve record-high revenue in 2024. The company projects double-digit revenue growth in 2025, supported by the AI data center boom, specification upgrades, and increased adoption of high-fiber-count products. The company is also developing new growth drivers in active components and RF connectors.
Tsinghua Unigroup's chip subsidiary Unisoc announced plans to secure an additional CNY2 billion (US$448 million) in equity financing, following its earlier CNY4 billion (US$896 million) round. The company's total funding now stands at NT$26.8 billion.
The satellite imaging industry is undergoing a fundamental shift from traditional observation to real-time planetary monitoring, driven by advances in edge computing and AI, according to Planet Labs Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer Dr. Robbie Schingler.
China's satellite navigation ambitions are accelerating, with plans for a next-generation BeiDou system taking shape amid growing commercial adoption of the technology. The expansion comes as Chinese tech giants leverage satellite capabilities in their latest devices, exemplified by Huawei's satellite-enabled Mate 60 smartphone and its new Mate X6 foldable flagship, which features innovative three-network satellite connectivity.
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.
A recent Ericsson Mobility Report published on November 26 indicates that 5G subscriptions in India, Bhutan, and Nepal will surpass 270 million by the end of 2024, accounting for 23 percent of all mobile subscriptions within the region.
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.
At its 2024 Investor Day, Qualcomm unveiled its latest five-year outlook, highlighting growth expectations for automotive and PC sectors as part of its non-mobile market expansion strategy.
