Overview
- Counterpoint Research reports DRAM and NAND used in broadband gear have surged roughly 600–700% year over year, far outpacing other categories.
- Memory now accounts for more than 20% of the bill of materials in many low-to-mid-end routers, up from about 3% a year ago.
- Price pressure is most acute for OEMs with weaker supply chains and bargaining power, with routers identified as the hardest hit segment.
- Analysts warn broadband rollouts could face delays or higher procurement bills, with smartphone memory up about 3x versus nearly 7x for consumer broadband devices.
- TP-Link has not confirmed consumer price increases, while vendors and chip suppliers signal cost pass-throughs and supply prioritization that favor AI and datacenter products.