Mobile networks are dependent on chips, which are also known as semiconductors. These chips are integrated into mobile phones as well as in networks, and fulfil a host of very specific functions, such as translating electrical signals into wireless signals.

Producing these types of chips is a high-tech business that requires significant amounts of research and development. High-end chip manufacturers for networks are concentrated in a few countries, such as: 

• The US, with companies like Qualcomm and Dell

• Taiwan, with TSMC

• The UK, with ARM (recently acquired by NVIDIA)

The chip market is generally divided into three areas – design, fabrication, and assembly – with companies generally specialising in a particular section of this chain.

More explanation about how the chip market is embedded into the whole 5G infrastructure manufacturing process can be found here: Suppliers