Mobile phone makers Samsung and HTC both target 4G phone shipments in March to exceed one million units. Shipments in second-quarter 2012 are likely to reach 5-10 million units. Suppliers such as Qualcomm, Broadcom, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), ASE and Silicon Precision Industries (SPIL) are expected to benefit from the large orders.
International chip providers noted that 4G mobile phones will be aggressively promoted by telecommunication companies in North America and Europe during 2012.
The increasing shipments of 4G mobile phones have been stirring up hopes for the industry. Since first-quarter 2012, Qualcomm and Broadcom have been issuing orders to TSMC continuously.
ASE and SPIL have also indicated that second-quarter 2012 revenues will increase significantly.
Industry sources noted that the hype of 4G mobile phones has been stirred up by firms that hope to gain market share before Apple's next iPhone product.