UNTANGLING THE WEB: FWA SPINS A NEW BROADBAND FUTURE

5G FWA is reshaping India's broadband landscape with faster, cost-effective connectivity, bridging digital divides and complementing fibre networks.

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Recently, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) has emerged as a transformative 5G use case in India, revolutionising how Internet services are delivered. Unlike traditional broadband networks, which rely on extensive wired infrastructure, FWA offers high-speed Internet access to homes and businesses. As a result, the technology has gained significant traction in the country owing to its ability to provide superior service quality, faster deployment and lower costs.

According to a recent report by Ericsson, 5G FWA connections in India reached nearly three million in the last year. The same report also projects that India will soon surpass the United States in the number of 5G FWA broadband subscriber homes, potentially reaching over 85-100 million by 2030.

THE FWA OPPORTUNITY

Globally, FWA has gained considerable momentum as a viable alternative to traditional broadband, offering speeds comparable to fibre-optic technologies. In India's data-intensive and cost-conscious market, FWA represents a revolutionary solution for expanding Internet connectivity. It addresses the unique challenges of providing reliable broadband access across rural and semi-urban regions, where traditional fibre-optic installations face logistical and financial hurdles due to the country's vast and diverse terrain.

Traditional fibre-optic infrastructure requires significant investments in laying cables, securing rightof-way permissions, and maintaining the network, making it slow and expensive. In contrast, FWA leverages high-speed wireless signals to transmit data between base stations and end-user devices, eliminating the need for extensive cabling.