Key Statistics You Should Know About Fixed Wireless Internet

Gone are the days when internet connectivity required extensive underground cabling. Fixed wireless internet has emerged as a game-changer, leveraging radio waves to connect homes and businesses directly to the internet. This innovation is particularly vital in regions where traditional broadband infrastructure is lacking or prohibitively expensive.

Statistics shed light on the significant impact and growth of fixed wireless internet. They reveal its expanding market presence, showcasing its role in bridging the digital divide and offering a high-speed, reliable alternative to wired connections.

Global and Regional Statistics

The worldwide adoption of fixed wireless internet is rapidly expanding, offering a flexible and reliable connectivity solution across diverse geographical landscapes. On a regional scale, the growth rates and usage patterns of fixed wireless internet vary significantly. Developed regions witness high penetration rates due to advanced infrastructure while emerging markets are catching up fast, driven by the need for affordable and accessible internet solutions.

Global Adoption Rates

The world is expected to see over 130 million Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) connections. Projections indicate a significant uptick in this figure, with FWA connections anticipated to climb to 330 million by the year 2029. This growth is predicted to generate approximately $75 billion in revenue for service providers. The 330 million FWA connections are estimated to constitute 18 percent of the total fixed broadband connections globally.

Worldwide Adoption of FWA Services by Providers (2020–2023)

The table below tracks the progressive increase in providers' adoption of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services globally from 2020 to 2023. Highlighting a steady growth pattern, it showcases the rising confidence and deployment of FWA technology by service providers worldwide, as they expand their broadband offerings to meet diverse consumer needs.

Global Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Connections Forecast (2023-2028)

The expansion of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) connections globally is expected to show significant growth between 2023 and 2028, with a notable shift in the technology landscape from 4G to 5G.

Regional Highlights

A concise overview of how different regions around the globe have adopted Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services in 2023, showcasing varying degrees of penetration. This table illustrates the widespread acceptance and deployment of FWA technology, with Western Europe leading in adoption rates while Latin America and Asia-Pacific show room for growth.

The high adoption rates of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) in regions like Western Europe and North America can be attributed to several key factors. In Western Europe, the combination of government support for broadband expansion, the region's advanced technological infrastructure, and operators' strategic push towards 5G has significantly contributed to FWA growth.

With key players like the United States, Canada, and Mexico, North America is at the forefront of FWA technology deployment, benefiting from advanced telecommunications infrastructure and high internet penetration rates. There are around 2,000 wireless internet service providers delivering fixed wireless broadband to over 4 million homes within small towns and rural locales across all 50 states in the U.S.

Demographics and Usage Patterns

Fixed Wireless Subscriber

The availability of fixed wireless services has significantly expanded since 2021, driven by the extensive development of 5G networks by providers.

Why Users Are Switching to FWA

FWA services are attractive for their lack of annual contracts and monthly fees, alongside straightforward installation processes. This user-friendly approach is significantly impacting customer preferences.

• Cable: 51%
• Other (Including Satellite, DSL, or No Previous Provider): 49%

High Satisfaction Among FWA Users

In December 2022, Wolfe Research conducted a survey within a Facebook group dedicated to T-Mobile's FWA users, which consists of over 15,000 members. 

• Response Rate: Received 60 responses.
• Satisfaction Level: 90% of respondents reported being mostly satisfied with their T-Mobile FWA service.
• Previous Internet Service:
• 42% had switched from a cable connection.
• 37% had switched from DSL providers.
• 6% had switched from fiber services.
• Broadband Adoption:
• 8% of the respondents were first-time broadband users, highlighting FWA's role in bridging the connectivity gap.

Rural and Urban Deployment

Fixed wireless internet significantly impacts both rural and urban deployments. Both have unique challenges that this technology addresses effectively. Below we explore how fixed wireless serves as a crucial bridge, providing reliable, high-speed internet to remote areas lacking infrastructure and augmenting urban networks with its quick deployment and flexibility to meet growing digital demands.

Impact in Rural Areas

Fixed wireless technology allows for internet access within a 45-mile radius of a cell tower, contributing to the widespread availability of 4G LTE on all major national networks. For instance, over 90% of these networks provide 4G LTE coverage, while T-Mobile's 5G network reaches approximately 200 million people. In contrast, traditional cable services like XFINITY from Comcast have a coverage area that encompasses about 110 million individuals.

Case studies across various locations demonstrate the practical applications and benefits of FWA in rural settings. For instance, in Southern Illinois, a study focused on the role of wireless networks in bridging the rural smart infrastructural divide. The research emphasized the need for enhanced wireless network infrastructure to support smart applications such as education and telehealth, which are vital for community development and well-being​​.

Fixed wireless access presents a vital solution for enhancing telehealth services in rural areas, including Native American communities impacted by the digital divide. Its straightforward deployment and cost-effectiveness are key advantages recognized in initiatives like the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program. This technology promises to expand internet access for healthcare facilities, improving educational and health outcomes in underserved regions.

Impact in Urban Areas

While there's potential for its deployment of fixed wireless internet in urban settings, challenges related to meeting the performance expectations of cities are significant. One major hurdle is the selection of the spectrum. Urban areas typically experience high levels of interference from unlicensed WiFi signals, making the use of such spectrums for broadband purposes highly challenging. 

BLiNQ Networks showcases its CBRS-certified LTE solutions' versatility in enhancing connectivity across diverse scenarios, particularly in rural America. By partnering with Kansas-based WISPs and Frontier Communications, BLiNQ has significantly extended broadband access to remote areas, demonstrating the critical role of FWA and CBRS in bridging connectivity gaps in underserved communities.

In the evolving U.S. 5G FWA market, service providers are tapping into new growth avenues, recognizing FWA's potential to cater to both individuals and businesses. Leveraging midband and mmWave spectrum, FWA offers a robust alternative to wired broadband, combining faster speeds with extensive coverage. This approach has led to its widespread adoption among major MNOs which focus on providing FWA services to rural and underserved regions prior to introducing them in urban areas.

Global Market Overview

Market Size and Growth Trends

The market for Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is projected to expand from $29.99 billion in 2023 to $151 billion by 2028, experiencing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 38.17% throughout the forecast period. This growth is fueled by the escalating demand for internet connectivity in residential areas, propelled by the surge in the number of connected devices.

Cisco's Visual Networking Index Report highlights smart homes as key to IoT connectivity growth, with IoT/M2M connections expected to make up half of the 28.5 billion device connections by this year. Major firms like Nokia and Ooredoo are extending their reach, launching high-speed 4G and 5G FWA services in Oman, initially connecting 15,000 businesses and homes, including 3,000 homes in city centers with Nokia FastMile 5G FWA.

Top Key Players and Innovators

Top players and innovators in the fixed wireless internet sector are driving the industry forward through significant investments in technology, infrastructure, and customer service. These companies range from established telecommunications giants to nimble startups focused on leveraging next-generation wireless technologies

• Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.: Huawei is at the forefront of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology. Edwin Wang, who leads FWA Solution Sales at Huawei Carrier Business Group, highlighted that 90 percent of fiber installation expenses are related to civil engineering tasks. However, with FWA, the sole expense for connecting a new household is the Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) cost, which usually ranges between$120 and $150.
• Nokia Corporation: Nokia is advancing fixed wireless access with its FastMile 5G gateways, equipped with Wi-Fi 6 and high-gain antennas for optimal signal. Zain KSA's deployment of 60,000 Nokia FastMile 5G fixed wireless access gateways across Saudi Arabia reflects the technology's appeal. Nokia's research shows 76 percent of respondents favoring FWA for home use, surpassing interest in eMBB. 
• AT&T, Inc.: AT&T Fixed Wireless Internet, designed to offer home internet to rural and underserved communities, is presently accessible to residents and small businesses in 9 new states. Launched in 2017, this service has expanded to include 18 states, with the growth beginning earlier this year as part of our commitment to the FCC Connect America Fund. Currently, we provide Fixed Wireless Internet across more than 160,000 locations.
• Verizon Communications, Inc.: In the first quarter of 2023, Verizon acquired 393,000 new Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) subscribers, comprising 256,000 consumer and 137,000 business customers, increasing its overall count to 1.86 million (1.14 million residential and 726,000 business subscribers). This growth compares to the addition of 194,000 residential and business FWA subscribers in the same quarter of the previous year and 379,000 in the preceding quarter.
• Qualcomm Technologies Inc.: In 2019, Qualcomm Technologies unveiled its inaugural Qualcomm 5G Fixed Wireless Access Platform, aiming to facilitate the expansion of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) devices. Presently, over 40 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have adopted Qualcomm's 5G Fixed Wireless Access Platforms, with upwards of 125 FWA designs either announced or under development.

Challenges in Expanding Coverage

• Restricted Reach: The effectiveness of the technology is contingent on an unobstructed path between the transmitting station and the receiving antenna. This requirement can pose difficulties in environments where natural landscapes or man-made structures block the signal path.
• Infrastructure Limitations: The last mile connectivity challenge is significant in rural areas, where the cost and logistical complexity of extending cable or fiber infrastructure can be prohibitive​​.
• Regulatory Hurdles: Providers must navigate complex regulatory environments and funding requirements, including cybersecurity and supply chain security mandates, which can slow down the deployment process​​.

Efforts to Overcome These Challenges

• BEAD Initiative: The Biden Administration has earmarked $42.45 billion for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) initiative under the bipartisan infrastructure law to boost broadband internet access and affordability. This funding, overseen by the Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee, is crucial for enhancing 5G Fixed Wireless technology, targeting broadband expansion in unserved and underserved areas.
• Government and Regulatory Support: Increased broadband funding from governments and a more flexible regulatory view of wireless as an alternative to wired connections support FWA's growth. Programs like the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) in the United States, which awards funds to a range of broadband providers, including FWA, highlight this support.

Performance Metrics

Speed and Reliability

Speed

Fixed wireless internet offers a wide range of speeds, from as low as 3 Mbps to as high as 1,000 Mbps or even up to 20 Gbps with Direct Internet Access (DIA) services. On average, users can expect download speeds of about 25 to 30 Mbps.

However, with the advent of 5G technology, FWI can deliver much faster speeds, averaging between 100 Mbps to 400 Mbps, and in some cases, download speeds can reach up to 1 Gbps with mmWave technology. The upload speeds for these services typically range from 10 Mbps to 50 Mbps, providing a robust option for both residential and business users seeking high-speed internet access​​​​.

State-by-State Analysis of 5G FWA Performance: Urban vs Rural Divide and Regional Insights

This comprehensive analysis delves into the state-by-state performance of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services, highlighting the pronounced divide between urban and rural areas.

Verizon 5G FWA Performance

• Urban Median Download Speed: 155.77 Mbps in Q3 2023.
• Rural Median Download Speed: 51.41 Mbps in Q3 2023.

States with Highest Download Speed:

• Nebraska: 181.77 Mbps
• Colorado: 160.56 Mbps
• Kansas: 150.24 Mbps

States with Lowest Download Speed:

• Mississippi: 31.54 Mbps
• Wyoming: 36.72 Mbps
• West Virginia: 46.92 Mbps

Upload Speed Range: 

• Nebraska: High of 16.74 Mbps.
• Mississippi: Low of 4.20 Mbps.

T-Mobile 5G FWA Performance:

Rural Performance Improvement: From 82.20 Mbps in Q4 2022 to 91.96 Mbps in Q3 2023.

States with Highest Download Speed:

• Hawaii: 189.58 Mbps
• Nebraska: 150.53 Mbps
• Oregon: 145.11 Mbps

States with Lowest Download Speed:

• Vermont: 63.31 Mbps
• South Dakota: 65.38 Mbps
• West Virginia: 67.23 Mbps

Upload Speed Range: 

• Hawaii: High of 41.62 Mbps.
• North Dakota: Low of 9.74 Mbps.

Fixed Wireless Access Data Usage Forecast

Exploring the growth of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) from 2022 to 2028 reveals an upward trajectory in data consumption across 3G, 4G, and 5G networks. 

Reliability

Fixed wireless internet is also lauded for its reliability, with networks designed to achieve 99.99% uptime. This translates to an expected downtime of roughly 52.6 minutes per year, or slightly less than one hour. However, when put into practice, fixed wireless internet typically incurs greater downtime than its wired counterparts, including fiber-optic and hybrid fiber-coaxial cable networks.

Despite its high reliability, FWI performance can be influenced by the distance to the base station, the cell site's capacity, and environmental factors like terrain and radio frequency interference. Clear line-of-sight is essential for optimal service, as obstructions like trees can impact the quality of the connection​​.

Compared to other types of internet, such as DSL, cable, and fiber, fixed wireless internet offers competitive speeds and reliability, especially in areas where wired broadband is unavailable or impractical to install. While wired connections, particularly fiber, may offer lower latency and potentially higher speeds, FWI presents a viable alternative.

Latency and Capacity

Fixed wireless internet boasts impressively low latency, achieving end-to-end times of less than 1ms, outperforming fiber optics which typically delivers latency just under 1.6ms. 

Fixed wireless typically offers low latency, in the range of 1 to 2 milliseconds. In contrast, although information travels through fiber cables at the speed of light, the delay, or latency, is usually higher, averaging around 17 milliseconds (ms). This superior latency profile of fixed wireless internet over leased lines makes it an ideal choice for applications requiring real-time interaction such as VoIP, CCTV monitoring, gaming, and video calls.

Impact of Fixed Wireless Internet

On Remote Work and Education

On Remote Work

Wireless business internet, utilizing Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), offers business-grade connectivity directly to employees' homes. It's an efficient solution for organizations deploying the internet to numerous remote workers using minimal devices, ensuring scalability and cost-effectiveness.

On Education

Fixed wireless broadband has become a pivotal enabler for remote learning. It has shown significant potential in providing reliable internet access to underserved regions. Collaborative efforts between Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISP), Managed Service Providers (MSP), and educational institutions are key to deploying solutions that bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to remote learning resources.

Economic Impact

One of the most significant contributions of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is its potential to bridge the digital divide by expanding internet access to underserved areas. Traditional broadband infrastructure projects in regions with low population density, challenging geography, or regulatory hurdles can be financially unviable. FWA offers a cost-effective alternative by eliminating the need for extensive groundwork, such as obtaining permits, excavating, and installing fiber cables.

This wireless solution leverages existing cellular networks and fiber backhaul, considerably lowering deployment costs and accelerating service rollout. Consequently, FWA has expanded broadband service in previously unreachable areas, with successful deployments in countries like the Philippines, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Turkey.

Future Trends and Innovations

5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is on the brink of a revolution, with emerging trends and innovations set to redefine connectivity landscapes.

Technological Advancements

• Qualcomm Leads 5G FWA Innovation: Qualcomm Technologies is spearheading the global spread of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) with the launch of innovative features aimed at enhancing 5G mmWave and integrating the Qualcomm 5G RF Sensing Suite. This initiative has attracted over 40 OEMs, leading to more than 125 FWA product designs.
• Fixed Wireless Reshaping US Broadband by 2025: Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is poised to be a major disruptor in the US broadband market, expected to dominate industry-wide subscriber additions through 2024 and potentially capture 10-13 percent of the overall market by 2025. 
• Surge in Household Adoption of FWA: The residential sector's demand for Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is expected to skyrocket. The introduction of 5G FWA is particularly appealing for its speedy, competitively priced internet service without installation complexities.
• North America's Dominance in FWA Market: North America is set to lead the FWA market share, especially as the United States sees an uptick in the demand for high-speed internet. Investments in FWA are increasing, aiming to provide fast internet access and reach underserved areas.

Regulatory and Policy Developments

Recent proposals and bipartisan infrastructure plans emphasize leveraging the strengths of the private market for robust internet infrastructure. The focus is on removing barriers to broadband deployment and adoption, rather than relying on municipal broadband options, which have shown mixed results in effectiveness and cost-efficiency​​.

Deloitte Insights also highlights the growth potential of FWA, especially with the introduction of 5G, which can significantly improve the technical feasibility and economic viability of FWA deployments. This is expected to support new deployment and revenue opportunities, making FWA a more attractive option in competitive and underserved markets.

State-led efforts in the U.S. are employing various practices to close gaps in broadband access, tailoring their approaches to their unique policy landscapes and community needs. These efforts include stakeholder outreach, policy framework development, planning and capacity building, funding and operations, and program evaluation.

Environmental Impact

Fixed wireless internet offers a more eco-friendly broadband solution by minimizing the need for extensive cable manufacturing and disposal, thereby reducing electronic waste and its environmental footprint.

Research indicates significant differences in the environmental impacts associated with various broadband technologies. Specifically, deploying next-generation fixed wireless solutions, such as Tarana's G1 platform, can result in substantially lower CO₂e emissions—55 percent less in cumulative emissions per subscriber and 70 percent lower in net present CO₂e emissions—when compared to traditional fiber optic networks. This highlights the potential of fixed wireless technology in contributing to more sustainable internet infrastructure development.

Challenges and Controversies

Expansion

Expansion is hindered by supply chain shortages, particularly in semiconductors critical for network equipment, and a lack of skilled workforce for installation and maintenance. Expanding Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) faces significant challenges, notably in bridging the digital divide. The FCC reports approximately 7.8 million U.S. households are unserved by basic broadband, with an additional 14.8 million considered underserved. The NTIA broadens this perspective, highlighting over 24 million Americans in internet-free homes.

FWA emerges as a promising solution, offering a more accessible and cost-effective alternative to satellite and DSL, particularly beneficial in underserved regions. Verizon's exploration into FWA underscores its potential to significantly improve rural internet access by leveraging existing cellular networks for high-speed connectivity. This approach minimizes the need for extensive physical infrastructure, presenting a viable option for enhancing broadband access and effectively reducing the digital divide across the country.

Security Concerns

A potential downside to consider is that with the expansion of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and the advent of 5G technology, the landscape for cyber threats becomes more complex and perilous. As FWA connections become more robust, facilitating a wider array of applications, the opportunities for cyber attacks similarly escalate. 

While some experts consider fixed wireless internet to provide secure broadband access, comparable in security to cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite — with some even regarding it as more secure — no internet service is entirely invulnerable. Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) implement comprehensive security measures including encryption, data privacy, authentication, and access control to enhance protection. These efforts ensure fixed wireless internet maintains a high security standard, mitigating the risk of online threats effectively.

The Bottom Line

Fixed wireless internet has carved its niche in the global internet ecosystem, proving to be more than just a stopgap solution for rural areas or a competitive alternative for urban users. The statistics surrounding fixed wireless internet, from adoption rates to coverage expansion, tell a compelling story of growth and impact.

As we look to the future, the importance of this technology in the global internet ecosystem is undeniable, humorously reminding us that in the world of broadband, fixed wireless internet is a heavyweight contender, punching well above its weight.