SUPPLY CHAINS


WHEN KEELY PORTWAY “ 12


THE CHIPS ARE DOWN


What the current semiconductor shortage could mean for telecoms in 2022


T


Since the start of the third quarter, we are seeing dislocation across the board, including in fibre supply”


he ongoing semiconductor shortage has been hiting almost as many headlines in the past two years as the pandemic.


However, contrary to popular belief, the Covid crisis was not the cause or starting point for this problem. Te move towards the rise of 5G and beyond


was a driver for increased demand for chips, coupled with trade disputes between the west and China resulting in the US banning the sale of semiconductors and other technology to Huawei. Tis meant that chip makers outside the US became overrun with orders from the company.


Since the pandemic, this has become


exacerbated and headlines have been dominated by various consumer products and industries that have been impacted. Most people remember the clamour to buy the few available Sony Playstation 5 consoles that were available following the launch in time for Christmas 2020. Likewise, it has been well documented that the automobile industry has suffered, with new cars taking longer to launch and a greater demand for used vehicles. Te move to flexible working and learning has additionally driven an increase in the purchase of laptops and other consumer electronics


Fibre Yearbook 2022


Shutterstock / Gorodenkoff


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