What is fixed wireless access (FWA) technology?

Fixed wireless access, or FWA, is a type of technology that uses radio waves to send high-speed signals that offer data transfer to and from consumer devices.

FWA systems typically consist of a base station connected to a fixed network and a number of subscriber units spread out over a wide area. The base station then uses radio waves to communicate with the subscriber units, making it possible for consumers to connect to the fixed network and access high-speed data services. These transmitters are strategically attached to stationary structures such as poles, buildings or towers.

Fixed wireless access, which can support 5G technology, is the next generation of wireless connectivity, offering the potential for ultra-high speeds, low latency and massive capacity. In theory, this could allow users to enjoy speeds comparable to a wired broadband connection. FWA differs from wired broadband in one major way.

Wired, fixed-line broadband works through fiber-optic cables, telephone lines (DSL), coaxial cables (cable modem), or powerlines (BPL); no matter which form of broadband you’re working with, it requires transmission of data through cables. In the case of DSL, for instance, you attach your modem to the phone line in your wall and receive packets of internet data through copper wires. The speed of your DSL connection will depend on how close the phone company’s nearest facility is, as well as the integrity of their phone lines.

With fiber-optic internet, your internet service provider runs the cable all the way to your house, or to a location nearby, in which case you tap in via phone line running to a switching box (or “cabinet”). With FWA, your device is receiving a radio signal from the internet provider’s transmission tower. This doesn’t require any cables or wires to go to your home.

FWA may be able to bring high-speed internet to areas where cables cannot reach, which is why it’s likely to play a role in the future of wireless internet connectivity, especially in digital deserts.

A digital desert is an area where there is little or no access to high-speed internet. This can be due to several factors, such as:

• A lack of infrastructure, such as cables or fiber-optic lines.
• The prohibitive cost of bringing infrastructure to these areas.
• The difficulty of connecting remote or hard-to-reach locations.

Digital deserts often limit residents from taking advantage of the many benefits that come with having a high-speed internet connection, such as:

• Access to online education and job resources.
• The ability to telecommute or work from home.
• Improved access to healthcare and other services.

FWA technology has the potential to address these issues.

There are various ways in which FWA can combat digital deserts, such as:

By potentially providing high-speed internet to areas that currently lack wired infrastructure. With FWA, cell towers and base stations provide the necessary infrastructure, but you may need to install an antenna on your home to receive the signal.
By being more affordable than fiber optic for people in rural areas where the cost of running fiber is high at the outset. However, as noted by BroadbandCommunities Magazine, fiber optic becomes less expensive the more houses in an area subscribe to it, while the inverse may be true for FWA.
By offering low-latency internet to rural subscribers via multiple-input, multiple-out (MIMO) antenna technology, which allows a targeted signal to the consumer’s receiver.
FWA offers an opportunity to provide high-speed internet to areas traditionally underserved by broadband technology.