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Aug 20, 13:55
AI drives network equipment demand as parts shortages deepen
AI data center expansion and rising demand for enterprise network upgrades continue to lift the network equipment market, giving several vendors better order visibility. But surging prices for key components such as memory and PCBs, along with hyperscalers drawing heavily on supply-chain resources, are squeezing parts availability for other electronics and adding another layer of uncertainty to second-half operations.

Tight DDR4 supply and rising memory costs are reshaping the timing of home and enterprise networking upgrades worldwide. While equipment makers are still preparing for a stronger shift to Wi-Fi 7 in 2026, some customers are delaying replacement cycles, extending Wi-Fi 6 demand, and pushing expectations for a broader Wi-Fi 8 transition further out.

Taiwan Mobile has raised its full-year 2026 operating profit growth outlook to 7% to 9%, excluding the impact of its planned Systex acquisition, as AI applications continue to drive demand for data center computing power and spur the company's AI data center (AIDC) expansion.

Global Electronics Association survey data show that demand across the global electronics manufacturing industry maintained steady expansion in the first half of 2026, with orders, shipments, and capacity utilization strengthening in most months. Capacity utilization, in particular, reached an all-time high since the survey began in June.

Nokia is accelerating its retreat from China, closing its Hangzhou R&D center and cutting about 1,600 jobs as shrinking market access, geopolitical friction and a broader global restructuring reshape the Finnish telecom equipment maker's footprint in the world's largest 5G market.

Taiwan Mobile said on August 12 that its board approved a tender offer for Systex Corporation common shares through its wholly owned subsidiary Taiwan Cellular, with the goal of lifting its stake to more than 50%. The telecom operator already held 11.86% of Systex, and the tender offer seeks an additional stake of at least 39%, which would lift Taiwan Mobile's total ownership above 50%.

Taiwan Mobile announced on August 13 that it will acquire additional common shares of Systex through its wholly owned subsidiary Taiwan Cellular, raising its total stake to more than 50% and securing majority control of the IT services provider.

Foxconn approved the purchase of an industrial property in New Taipei City's Tucheng District for NT$1 billion (US$31.08 million), the company said on the 12th. The site will support future planning in optical communications, ultra-precision molds and precision molding.

Co-packaged optics (CPO) has become a major focus of the optical networking industry, but pluggable modules remain the mainstream choice for optical interconnects. At a silicon photonics forum during the 2026 OCP APAC Summit, panelists said vendors have little incentive to abandon a mature and proven pluggable ecosystem before technical or economic constraints make a shift necessary.
Taiwan's Sercomm Corporation is repositioning itself for the next phase of network infrastructure demand by expanding beyond traditional broadband equipment into 5G, fixed wireless access (FWA), enterprise networking and IoT connectivity, areas expected to benefit from rising data traffic and AI-driven digitalization.

Samsung Electronics will increase production of the Galaxy Z Fold8 by 1 million units in 2026 after strong preorder demand for its wider foldable phone, according to ET News. The move comes as the company prepares for a new round of competition in foldables ahead of Apple's first 4:3 foldable iPhone, which is expected in September 2026.

Taiwan's three major telecom operators — Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile and Far EasTone Telecommunications — all reported strong July 2026 results, with revenue and profit supported by seasonal roaming demand, 5G upgrade plans and resilient handset sales. The operators said July marked a record period for several key metrics, while AI-related demand in enterprise and infrastructure businesses provided an additional growth driver.