Fixed Wireless Access: A Growing Solution for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses
At a recent panel discussion at ConnectX in Chicago, industry experts emphasized the potential of fixed wireless access (FWA) as a valuable internet solution for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The panel highlighted how FWA can provide scalable and cost-effective connectivity, especially for businesses with multiple remote locations.
Anand Sundaram, a VP at KGPCo, pointed out that for SMBs, FWA’s affordability and flexibility make it an appealing choice, particularly for point-of-sale operations in retail settings. He noted that FWA serves a variety of temporary needs, such as food trucks, events, and even emergency services, while also supporting digital signage for businesses.
George Hellmuth from Tarana mentioned that FWA isn’t limited to rural areas. He shared that even urban warehouse districts can benefit from this technology when there’s insufficient fiber internet infrastructure.
Interestingly, businesses are not merely using FWA as a backup. According to Ron Heron, a senior director at UScellular, many companies are adopting FWA as their primary internet source, even in fiber-rich areas. The decision to choose FWA often hinges on cost and the experiences businesses have had with traditional internet providers.
Key Considerations for Carriers
When it comes to implementing FWA for businesses, speed is essential. Kim Morrison, VP at Circet USA, highlighted that quick deployment is critical, as many service providers face challenges like site acquisition and tower installation right from the start. Her company provides support to navigate these obstacles.
Challenges of Capacity and Spectrum
Yet, while FWA shows promise, there are challenges, particularly around capacity and spectrum allocation. Operators need to balance resources between FWA and mobile services. Heron pointed out that sometimes they can’t meet all customer demands due to these limitations.
Sundaram added that FWA users typically consume far more bandwidth—10 to 20 times—than mobile users, making it crucial for service providers to understand their network capacity. This helps ensure that sales teams do not oversell services in areas where high mobile coverage exists.
In summary, the growing interest in fixed wireless access reveals its potential as a versatile solution for businesses of all sizes, but challenges around deployment and capacity must be effectively managed.
