The world is heading towards a high-speed connectivity era at an unfaltering pace with the adoption of 5G and 6G wireless technology.
Fixed wireless access or FWA technology is a type of 5G and 4G radio spectrum technology that allows fixed broadband access by employing radio frequencies, unlike the conventional system using cables for connectivity. The FWA technology can be effectively utilized to connect homes and businesses on high-speed data connectivity.
The fixed wireless access technology is predicted to be the most viable option for unprecedented internet usage globally, which will eventually make the FWA market among the top revenue-grossing market segments in the near future.
Working of Fixed Wireless Access Technology
Fixed Wireless Access technology uses radio waves to transmit high-speed signals for data transfer between remotely placed devices. The system for FWA comprises a central station, which is linked with a stationary network and a multitude of consumer distribution units, which are distributed across large regions.
The central station or base station utilizes radio waves to establish robust communication with the receiving units or devices, enabling the consumers to be able to connect with a fixed network and empowering the users with high-speed data and connectivity. The high-end transmitters that are used for data transmission purposes are installed on local infrastructures, like buildings, towers, electric poles, etc.
Difference between FWA & Broadband
As discussed earlier in this article, fixed wireless access or FWA is a next-generation high-speed connectivity which offers high data speed, low latency and massive data transmission capacity.
The major difference between wired broadband and fixed wireless access systems is the broadband network works on the principle of fibre optics, while FWA works on radio spectrum technology. Wired or fixed-line broadband works through fibre-optic cables, telephone lines, cable modems, etc. In the case of direct telephone line connectivity type, you need to attach the internet cable to a modem which is connected to the telephone line to receive internet data through copper wires. In wired broadband connectivity, the internet speed primarily depends on how close the telephone company’s office is located and the overall performance of their telephone lines, unlike the FWA technology, whose speed is dependent on the radio spectrum.
FWA – a boon in digital deserts!
Digital desert is a term used for an area or region that has limited or no access to high-speed internet. The reason behind the emergence of digital deserts can be attributed to the lack of infrastructure and hard-to-reach locations, even for remote connectivity, due to the prohibitive cost incurred for building a robust infrastructure in such regions.
Fixed wireless access technology can be the best tool to combat the digital desert situation in many remote areas across the globe. Cell towers and base stations can be installed at certain locations to provide such areas with high-speed 5G network communication, meanwhile, it will require the setting up of antennas on every home requiring internet services. Being a more affordable option than wired broadband, the fixed wireless access technology can gain traction with more consumers in remote areas, and with the advent of 5G technology, the FWA can be a real boon to aid the growth of such remote areas and the elimination of such digital deserts.
Market Growth
As briefly discussed above, fixed wireless access technology has transformed internet connectivity, and with the advent of 5G technology, the market for 5G fixed wireless access is witnessing an exceptional growth rate.
According to the studies carried out by Market Research Future, the global 5G fixed wireless access market is heading towards impeccable growth and is estimated to earn a revenue of USD 170 billion by the end of the year 2030, exhibiting a growth rate of 37% over the study period of ten years till 2030.
The main reason for the 5G fixed wireless access market’s growth is the high demand for seamless internet connectivity with high data bandwidth, unlike conventional wired broadband services. Numerous developments have been made in internet communication technology, starting from 2G, 3G, 4G and now operational 5G services. With a robust FWA infrastructure, it would be possible to deploy 6G ultra-high-speed internet connectivity, which would be a game-changing move in the global communication sector.
With all the information we discussed in this article, it is evident that 5G fixed wireless access is a game-changing technological evolution, which is transforming the way we utilize the internet and data and is among the top-grossing market segments in the global market.