One of the most promising use cases of 5G is fixed wireless access (FWA). With 5G FWA, the digital divide between rural and urban areas can be removed. Counterpoint Research said 5G FWA subscribers are expected to grow at 54% annual compounded rate between 2022-2030. With 5G FWA, enhanced broadband services can be delivered to consumers at an affordable cost. This was not possible with previous generation networks such as 4G, 3G and 2G.
Counterpoint Research believes that developing economies will continue to suffer under a digital divide with many unable to access internet connection. But that will not happen if there is 5G FWA, as it is a deadly use case to bridge the digital divide and provide connection where fiber or DSL broadband services cannot reach.
Indian Telcos also excited about 5G FWA
Ericsson, which has partnered with Indian telcos to conduct 5G trials, said the early 5G use cases that the telcos are particularly excited about are 5G FWA, healthcare and eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband).
5G FWA will enable telecommunications operators to deliver high-speed mobile broadband services in semi-urban and rural areas with ease. Laying fiber at every corner of the country can be a challenging task for telecommunications operators, as it will require time and a lot of money. But with the 5F FWA, many users can provide connectivity with one fixed point getting 5G network.
5G FWA can support both home and business applications due to the sheer bandwidth and low latency connectivity it brings to the table. It has already been recognized as one of the better alternatives to fixed broadband connections.
The telecommunications operators are ready to take part in the 5G spectrum auction which is less than a month away. It will be interesting to see how soon Indians get 5G FWA.
