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Will copper's record prices affect VoIP, WiFI and cell phones?
As you can see from the chart, copper constitutes 19% of most cellphones. And since VoIP and WiFi phones have similar basic construction components, the percentage of copper in these phones most assuredly is in that same 19% range.
As you can see from the chart, copper constitutes 19% of most cellphones. And since VoIP and WiFi phones have similar basic construction components, the percentage of copper in these phones most assuredly is in that same 19% range.
Although advances in chip technology have driven the price of these handsets lower, there may be somewhat of a counterbalance on the horizon.
On March 30, Copper futures for May delivery rose to $2.439 a pound on the Comex, the highest level ever.
It's even higher now. Yesterday's price for copper futures was even higher, a pattern projected to last at least thru this summer.
Take a look:
I have to wonder, with the price of copper reaching record highs, and these handsets containing 19% copper, what's that going to do to the price of cell, PDA, WIFi and other handsets set to roll off the assembly line?