LONDON — The global market for RF components for cellular basestations will remain flat at $1.1 billion through 2013 according to market research group Strategy Analytics. This despite the fact that actual shipments of basestations are forecast to grow to 13.4 million units in 2013, a CAAGR (compound annual average growth rate) of nearly 70 percent.
The researchers also suggest the migration to 3G+ and fourth generation networks will also drive a move toward smaller form factors as operators look to reuse existing sites and infill capacity with smaller base stations.
The penetration of micro base stations is forecast to increase to 29 percent between this year and 2013, but the largest growth in shipments will come from picocell and femtocell shipments.
"Despite the volumes, we do not expect to see a major increase in component revenues, but there will be a few bright spots based around emerging technologies," observed Asif Anwar, Director of the Strategy Analytics GaAs service.
"In particular, Strategy Analytics believes that GaN technology will start to fulfil earlier promises with demand for GaN power amplifiers growing at a CAAR of 76 percent through 2013."
Strategy Analytics also maintains that femtocells will account for 84 percent of total base station shipments in 2013; that demand for standalone power amplifier modules for upgrading existing networks will be flat to negative as the market focuses on infrastructure rollout for emerging platforms; and that the PA will account for the largest proportion of RF component revenues through 2013, but only exhibit overall growth of 2 percent.
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