Is 5G the key to unlocking the potential of fixed wireless access?

Since its conception many years ago, FWA technology has received a lot of interest from operators. Alongside being very simple and nonintrusive to deploy, FWA can be an excellent alternative to costly fibre deployment. 

 

However, for many years the technology could simply not rival the more conventional broadband connectivity. 

 

"FWA has disappointed so many times in the past. Each new technology leads to a resurgence of interest… and then failure. Will it be different this time?” asks Professor William Webb, CEO, Webb Search Ltd.

 

This is the question that Total Telecom’s latest webinar, A home broadband revolution: Exploring the use cases and potential of 5G fixed wireless access, seeks to answer. FWA technology has matured, but where does it now fit in the framework of 5G? 

 

“The technology is much better now, featuring 5G and mmWave spectrum, but the competition has also improved. This webinar will look critically at why 5G might just be the winning factor," concluded Prof Webb, who will moderate the session.

 

To really achieve success, FWA proponents must find a way to really capitalise on the many advantages it holds over its more traditional connectivity alternative. 

 

“Consumer installed, indoor FWA home gateways are central to exploiting the business opportunities of wireless access. Quick and easy installation, great Wi-Fi, simple management and reliable access need to come together to deliver the customer propositions and cost structures for success,” said Malcolm Latham, portfolio marketing director, Connected Home at CommScope.

 

To do this, they must make sure they do not treat FWA as a direct replacement for fibre broadband; versatile though it is, the technology must carve its own niche to find in the era of 5G.

 

“5G FWA requires a fundamentally different operator approach versus 5G mobility. It impacts everything from network rollout, through to commercialisation and go-to-market,” explained Harvey Wright, head of 5G at Optus. “Operators should definitely avoid a one-size-fits-all approach to 5G.”

 

The webinar’s expert panel features a wide range of stakeholders, all ready to share their unique experience with FWA:

 

    • David Burns, Chair, UKWISPA

    • Michael Martin, Director Radio, Transport & Network Operations, Sunrise Communications

    • Harvey Wright, Head of 5G, Optus

    • Erol Hepsaydir, Head of RAN, Device Strategy and Architecture, Three

    • Malcolm Latham, Portfolio Marketing Director, Connected Home, CommScope

    • (Moderator) Professor William Webb, CEO, Webb Search Ltd