The global demand for reliable, fast, and flexible internet connections is growing rapidly. In this evolving landscape, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is making an impressive breakthrough. FWA offers a viable alternative to traditional fixed broadband connections such as fiber and DSL, with rapid deployment options and excellent performance. According to forecasts, the number of global FWA connections is expected to rise from 130 million to a staggering 330 million by 2029.
FWA as a Reliable Backup Connection
At Wanscale, we see Fixed Wireless Access as the ideal solution for a reliable backup connection in case the primary connection unexpectedly fails. But what’s driving this growth? Two major technological developments are at the heart of it: the new subscription models and capabilities of 5G networks, particularly those of Odido and the global coverage provided by Starlink. Both technologies make it possible to deploy FWA on a wide scale, from urban centers to the most remote areas.
What is Fixed Wireless Access?
Fixed Wireless Access is a wireless broadband connection that provides businesses with high-speed internet via radio signals, without the need for physical cabling. It supports both 4G LTE and 5G technologies, but it’s with 5G that FWA truly comes into its own.
Thanks to the speed and low latency of 5G, FWA can deliver performance comparable to fiber-optic connections. This makes FWA particularly attractive in urban areas where fiber, cable, or xDSL were previously the standard. Moreover, the absence of cables makes FWA ideal for hard-to-reach locations, where laying infrastructure is either too costly or simply not feasible.
The Role of Odido and Starlink
Odido plays a key role in the Dutch FWA market by providing business customers with access to advanced 5G solutions. With their latest business plans, companies benefit from guaranteed bandwidth, low latency, and scalable connections. This flexibility makes FWA particularly suitable for businesses that require rapid deployment, such as temporary locations or events.
Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, is a perfect complement to FWA. Starlink delivers reliable broadband connectivity in areas where mobile networks are limited or unavailable. This makes it ideal for locations beyond the reach of traditional networks, from rural areas to maritime applications.
At Wanscale, we combine the power of these technologies to keep our clients connected anytime, anywhere, even when the primary connection fails. This ensures optimal business continuity.
Fixed Wireless Access as a Strategic Backup
At Wanscale, we primarily position Fixed Wireless Access as a reliable backup connection. While FWA is certainly powerful enough to serve as a primary connection, we see it as an extremely valuable solution for situations where the fixed line goes down for any reason—think cable cuts, network power outages, or scheduled maintenance. With FWA as a failover solution, you’re assured of a seamless switchover without data loss or downtime.
For businesses where uptime is critical, such as in finance, healthcare, or manufacturing, FWA provides an added layer of assurance.
Technological Innovations Strengthening FWA
The future of FWA is further strengthened by several key technological developments:
- Massive MIMO and beamforming: These antenna technologies increase the capacity and reliability of wireless networks by directing signals specifically toward devices and transmitting multiple data streams simultaneously.
- Millimeter Wave (mmWave): Higher frequency bands enable multi-gigabit speeds, allowing FWA to increasingly compete with fiber-optic connections.
- AI and machine learning: Smart algorithms optimize network performance, predict traffic, and enhance the security of connections.
- Edge computing: By processing data closer to the user, latency is reduced, and real-time applications are supported.
Additionally, the integration of satellite networks like Starlink provides global coverage, which is especially invaluable for mobile or remote applications.
Future Developments and Opportunities
In addition to technological advancements, policies also play a crucial role. Effective spectrum management and supportive infrastructure development policies are essential to accelerating the growth of FWA. Governments worldwide are now promoting the use of dynamic spectrum allocations and lowering barriers for the deployment of small cells and backhaul solutions.
The integration with emerging technologies such as IoT also opens up new markets. FWA can form the backbone for smart cities, industrial automation, and healthcare applications, wherever reliable and fast connections are needed.
FWA as a Pillar of Digital Resilience
Fixed Wireless Access is on the brink of a promising future. Thanks to the combined power of 5G networks, the global coverage of Starlink, and ongoing technological innovation, FWA is emerging as a full-fledged alternative to wired connections.
At Wanscale, we fully embrace this development and advise our clients on how to strategically leverage FWA, both as a fast primary connection and as an essential backup solution for maximum business continuity.
Curious how we can help your organization with Fixed Wireless Access?
Get in touch with me, and I’ll assist you in taking your connectivity to the next level.
Jos Beckers
