Fixed wireless access (FWA) has long delivered reliable internet to homes and offices across the globe and continues to offer a world of opportunity for businesses in need of a scalable and affordable connectivity solution.
Rather than requiring physical cables to provide high-speed internet, FWA delivers high-speed internet by using radio signals to connect on-site equipment (like an antenna or router) to a nearby wireless base station, often on a cellular tower. Fixed wireless devices are powered by electricity and offer faster, more stable connections. Some high-end systems can deliver speeds much faster than traditional wired phone lines.
Most people would assume FWA to be obsolete in an era where fiber internet solutions provide unquestionably faster connections and higher bandwidth. So why is FWA still growing at an unbelievable CAGR of 38%?
Fiber is simply not available in every corner of the world today. The solution is spreading, but harder to reach rural areas are at the bottom of the totem pole, and the extraordinary cost of fiber implementation can become a major barrier to ongoing expansion efforts.
Businesses operating out of remote areas often already have some level of cellular coverage to enable FWA as a primary or backup internet solution. All that’s needed is an inexpensive antenna or router onsite to deliver reliable, low latency internet as either a primary or backup network solution.
The ability to turn up or turn down FWA connections with ease also allows organizations to be extraordinarily flexible. For example, Fixed Wireless Access is an ideal solution for construction companies in need of reliable connectivity at temporary job sites.
The cost to implement fiber is steep and doesn’t always make financial sense when deploying such an expensive solution for so few users in a widespread area. Because 96% of the world’s population is already covered by mobile broadband networks, FWA is a highly attractive and cost-effective option for modern businesses.
Because FWA leverages global cellular networks, improvements in cellular coverage directly enhance its service quality. The rollout of 5G has significantly boosted Fixed Wireless Access performance, and while it still doesn’t match the gold standard of fiber, it closes the gap considerably.
Of course, FWA is not the perfect solution for every enterprise. Even with extensive coverage and higher-powered 5G connectivity, there will be situations where FWA availability is spotty and unable to meet high bandwidth demands.
Many in the wireless industry are growing more anxious about the critical issue of limited capacity. With hundreds of millions of mobile subscribers relying on the same network, and FWA requiring 10-20 times the bandwidth of a regular mobile user, there is only so much capacity to go around.
Providers are doing their best to maximize spectral efficiency from current technologies while simultaneously pushing for new spectrum development approvals from the FCC in the US, but the path forward remains unclear.
We haven’t hit the Fixed Wireless Access ceiling just yet, but the uncertainty around FWA has some IT leaders opting for more dependable, longer-term internet solutions.
While Fixed Wireless Access isn’t without its challenges, these concerns are steadily diminishing as global networks continue to expand. In fact, the pace of progress in wireless infrastructure is rapidly closing the performance gap between FWA and traditional wired solutions like fiber.
What FWA offers in return is compelling: fast deployment, lower infrastructure costs, scalability, and reliable connectivity that doesn’t require trenching, permits, or lengthy installation timelines. These advantages make FWA especially compelling for businesses that need to move quickly, operate across multiple locations, or simply want to avoid the headaches of traditional broadband rollouts.
For any organization seeking a cost-effective, dependable, and easy-to-implement internet solution, especially in areas underserved by wired infrastructure, FWA should be at the top of the list. As coverage and capabilities continue to improve, Fixed Wireless Access is not just a viable alternative; it’s quickly becoming a strategic asset for forward-thinking enterprises.