Fixed wireless access

What Is Fixed Wireless Access?

Fixed wireless access (FWA) is a method of delivering broadband internet service to a fixed location, such as a home or business, using wireless technology rather than traditional wired connections like fiber-optic cables or copper lines. It falls under the broader category of telecommunications finance, representing an important segment of the digital infrastructure market. Fixed wireless access establishes a radio link between a customer's premises and a service provider's network, typically via a base station or cell tower. This approach leverages cellular network technologies like 4G and 5G to provide high-speed internet.

Fixed wireless access aims to bridge the "last mile" connectivity gap, particularly in areas where deploying physical cables is economically unfeasible or geographically challenging. The technology involves customer premises equipment (CPE) that receives the wireless signal and converts it into a usable internet connection for devices within the location. The growing adoption of fixed wireless access is driven by the expansion of 5G networks, increasing demand for affordable broadband, and continuous innovation in CPE.

History and Origin

The concept of fixed wireless communication has roots in early radio and microwave technologies. However, modern fixed wireless access, as a broadband internet solution, began gaining traction with advancements in wireless networking standards. A significant moment for unlicensed wireless use in the United States was a 1985 ruling by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that opened up parts of the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) bands for unlicensed communication. This regulatory decision paved the way for the development of technologies that would later underpin various wireless internet solutions.

Over the years, the evolution of Wi-Fi and later cellular technologies like LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and 5G enabled more robust and higher-speed fixed wireless deployments. In the late 1990s, the FCC recognized fixed wireless access (FWA) as a potential competitive alternative for local loop or "last-mile" facilities, envisioning its use for delivering voice, data, and video services.²¹ This historical context underscores FWA's role in the ongoing effort to expand internet accessibility.

Key Takeaways

• Fixed wireless access (FWA) delivers internet using radio signals to a stationary location, bypassing physical cables.
• It leverages existing cellular infrastructure, primarily 4G and 5G networks, for broadband connectivity.
• FWA is particularly vital for providing internet in rural or underserved areas where wired infrastructure is costly or difficult to deploy.
• Customer premises equipment (CPE) is installed at the user's location to receive and process the wireless signal.
• The market for fixed wireless access is experiencing significant growth, driven by 5G rollouts and demand for flexible broadband solutions.²⁰

Interpreting Fixed Wireless Access

Interpreting fixed wireless access involves understanding its capabilities and suitability for different use cases. Unlike traditional broadband internet services, which rely on physical infrastructure such as fiber optics or coaxial cable, FWA's performance is influenced by factors inherent to wireless communication. These include the distance from the base station, the specific spectrum band used (e.g., licensed, unlicensed, or licensed-by-rule), and the presence of physical obstructions like buildings or terrain.¹⁹,¹⁸

The speeds offered by fixed wireless access can vary widely, from a few megabits per second (Mbps) to gigabit speeds, especially with 5G technology.¹⁷ When evaluating fixed wireless access, it's crucial to consider the advertised download and upload speeds, as well as potential latency, which can impact activities like online gaming or video conferencing. Providers often manage network capacity to ensure a consistent experience for all users within a given cell.¹⁶

Hypothetical Example

Consider a hypothetical family, the Millers, who live in a semi-rural area where traditional fiber internet is not yet available due to the high cost of laying new infrastructure. A local wireless internet service provider (WISP) offers fixed wireless access.

1. Subscription: The Millers subscribe to the WISP's FWA plan, which promises speeds of up to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload. This is a significant improvement over their previous DSL connection.
2. Installation: A technician installs a small antenna on the Miller's rooftop, which is aligned to have a clear line of sight with the WISP's nearest transmission tower. This antenna connects to a fixed wireless access router inside their home, which then distributes the internet connection via Wi-Fi to their devices.
3. Usage: The Miller children can now stream educational videos and participate in online learning without constant buffering. Mr. Miller, who occasionally works from home, finds his virtual meetings are much smoother. The entire family benefits from reliable internet connectivity for their smart home devices and entertainment.

This example illustrates how fixed wireless access can provide a viable and often superior alternative to legacy technologies in areas where advanced wired infrastructure is absent.

Practical Applications

Fixed wireless access has numerous practical applications across various sectors, particularly in addressing the disparities in internet access.

• Rural Broadband Expansion: FWA is a key technology for extending high-speed internet to rural communities and underserved areas where the cost of deploying fiber is prohibitive.¹⁵ Governments and regulatory bodies, like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the U.S., are increasingly incorporating FWA into initiatives aimed at closing the digital divide.¹⁴
• Residential and Business Connectivity: Beyond rural areas, FWA serves as a competitive alternative in suburban and even urban environments, especially for rapid deployment or in multi-dwelling units where installing new wired connections can be complex.¹³
• Temporary and Emergency Deployments: Due to its relative ease and speed of deployment, fixed wireless access can be used to establish temporary internet services for events, construction sites, or as an emergency backup for existing wired connections. This flexibility is a significant advantage.
• Enterprise Connectivity: Businesses can utilize FWA for primary internet access, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), or as a resilient backup connection to ensure business continuity.
• Smart City Initiatives: In the context of smart cities, FWA can support various applications requiring reliable connectivity, such as IoT sensors, public Wi-Fi hotspots, and surveillance systems. The market for fixed wireless access is projected to experience substantial growth, reaching an estimated USD 92.72 billion by 2030, reflecting its increasing role in global connectivity.¹²

Limitations and Criticisms

Despite its advantages, fixed wireless access has several limitations and faces criticism, particularly when compared to fiber-optic connections.

• Line-of-Sight and Obstructions: FWA often requires a clear line of sight between the customer's antenna and the service provider's base station. Obstructions such as trees, buildings, or even severe weather can degrade signal quality and reduce speeds.¹¹,¹⁰ This can make network design and deployment challenging in diverse geographies.
• Capacity Limitations: Wireless networks have inherent capacity limitations. The number of users a single base station can effectively serve is finite, and adding too many subscribers can lead to network congestion and slower speeds for all users.⁹ While advancements in 5G and spectrum management aim to mitigate this, it remains a consideration for network scalability.
• Interference: Fixed wireless access operates over radio frequencies, making it susceptible to interference from other wireless devices or networks operating in the same or adjacent spectrum bands.⁸ This is particularly true for FWA systems that utilize unlicensed spectrum, where many devices compete for airwaves.⁷
• Latency: While FWA generally offers lower latency than satellite internet, it can still be higher than wired alternatives like fiber, which could impact real-time applications such as competitive online gaming or certain enterprise-level cloud services.
• Sustainability and Future-Proofing: Critics argue that while FWA offers a cost-effective initial deployment, fiber-optic networks are more sustainable and "future-proof" due to their significantly higher bandwidth capacity and lower long-term operational costs.⁶ The Communications Workers of America (CWA) commissioned a report highlighting that fixed wireless technologies may fall short of fiber optic networks in delivering high-quality broadband services in rural areas.⁵

Fixed Wireless Access vs. Mobile Hotspot

Fixed wireless access and mobile hotspots both utilize cellular networks for internet connectivity but differ significantly in their intended use, mobility, and performance characteristics.

While a mobile hotspot offers unparalleled flexibility, fixed wireless access is engineered for more consistent and robust broadband delivery to a static location, addressing the needs of a household or small business with multiple users and devices.⁴

FAQs

What speeds can I expect from fixed wireless access?

Speeds vary significantly depending on the provider, technology (4G vs. 5G), distance from the tower, and network congestion. While some legacy FWA services might offer 25-30 Mbps, 5G fixed wireless access can deliver average download speeds between 100 Mbps to 400 Mbps, with some reaching up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps).³

Is fixed wireless access available everywhere?

No, availability depends on the coverage area of specific fixed wireless service providers. It is most commonly found in rural and suburban areas where traditional wired broadband infrastructure is limited. However, with the expansion of 5G networks, its availability is growing in more densely populated regions as well.² You can check with local providers using your zip code.

How does weather affect fixed wireless access?

Severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or dense fog, can sometimes affect fixed wireless signals, potentially leading to a temporary reduction in speed or signal quality. This is often referred to as "rain fade." However, modern FWA systems are designed to be resilient, and significant service disruptions due to weather are less common than with older technologies.

Is fixed wireless access suitable for gaming or streaming?

Yes, modern fixed wireless access, especially 5G-based FWA, can support online gaming and high-definition video streaming. However, for competitive online gaming, very low latency is often preferred, which fiber optic connections typically provide more consistently. For general streaming and most online activities, FWA is often sufficient.¹

What is the customer premises equipment (CPE) for FWA?

The CPE for fixed wireless access typically consists of an outdoor antenna unit that receives the wireless signal from the provider's tower and an indoor router that distributes the internet connection to devices within the home or office, similar to a standard Wi-Fi router. The outdoor unit is designed to withstand environmental conditions.