"Seeing IoT applications as the next growth driver, the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors of the industry, from global ICT brands to new startups, is assessing the possibility of introducing new technologies or modules into their devices and developing IoT solutions and applications," said Remus Hsu, industry analyst with MIC.

"In 2019, we predict that 3.75 billion Wi-Fi connected devices will be shipped worldwide, with a CAGR of 10.6% from 2014 to 2019."

Regarding Wi-Fi industry's supply chain, based on the number of companies in different sectors, the industry has a top-down, pyramid-shaped structure. Unlike the past where the industry reeled under the big-get-bigger trend, small-to-medium chipmakers, module and contract makers are now able to undertake transformation and refinement processes, eyeing lucrative opportunities from new IoT applications.

Motivating mergers and acquisitions or the formation of alliances across industries and/or simply focusing on specific market demands for Wi-Fi connected platforms and/or devices can help vendors break free from the vicious price war and seek mutual benefits with their clients.

Figure 1