Shipments of built-in WLAN modules for handsets and WLAN/WiMAX modules for notebooks by Taiwan makers are expected to grow sharply in 2010 due to increasing global demand, according to industry sources.

Demand for handset WLAN modules alone is expected to top 100 million units this year, the sources estimated, noting module vendors in Japan, Korea as well as those in Taiwan will benefit from the upsurge in demand.

For handset module production in Taiwan, AzureWare Technologies, Gemtek Technology, Accton Technology and Universal Scientific Industrial (USI) as well as companies under Quanta Computer and the Compal Group have all established their WLAN SiP module production lines, noted the sources.

Gemtek also expects its shipments of notebook WLAN modules to top 25 million units in 2010, up from 20 million units shipped in 2009. In addition, the company will also begin to ship WiMAX modules for notebooks in the second quarter of 2010.

Gemtek also shipped about two million Condor Peak modules in 2009 with shipments likely to increase significantly in 2010, indicated industry sources.

 source:digitimes