Published: June 10, 2025
By AGL Information and Technology Staff Writers
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) powered by 5G has emerged as a cornerstone technology. Globally, FWA continues to expand its footprint, offering telecom operators a scalable, lower-cost alternative to fiber and cable deployments, particularly in low-density or hard-to-reach geographies.
While early momentum in the United States has begun to temper, industry analysts and telecom executives agree that FWA remains a disruptive force in the broadband market, driving innovation in pricing, deployment strategies, and competitive offerings.
U.S. Market Maturity Brings a Shift in Growth Dynamics
After an explosive rollout phase in 2021–2023, U.S. adoption of 5G FWA is gradually stabilizing. According to a recent report by Leichtman Research Group, major providers like Verizon and T-Mobile collectively added over 3.5 million FWA subscribers in 2023 alone. As of Q1 2024, more than 8.5 million U.S. households were connected via FWA—a number forecasted to exceed 10 million by the end of the year.
T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert highlighted the shift during a recent earnings call: “While we’re seeing a moderation in growth, FWA remains central to our home broadband ambitions. It allows us to serve communities that were previously unaddressed or underserved by traditional ISPs.”
Verizon, likewise, has reaffirmed its investment in the service, noting that its FWA customer base increased by over 250,000 in Q1 2024 alone, with business-grade solutions becoming a growing segment of demand.
Global Growth Remains Strong
Outside the U.S., adoption remains robust. According to Ericsson’s November 2023 Mobility Report, global FWA connections are projected to reach 330 million by 2029, up from just 130 million in 2023. Emerging markets in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America are driving this surge as governments and telecoms use FWA to deploy connectivity in areas where fiber rollout is rapidly cost-prohibitive.
GSMA Intelligence reports that FWA has helped bypass years of delayed fiber builds in many developing economies by leveraging rapidly deployable 5G spectrum assets.
In the U.S., FWA is already pressuring legacy cable operators. Providers like T-Mobile and Verizon have reshaped consumer expectations by offering home internet plans often below $50 per month, without long-term contracts, installation fees, or equipment rentals.
During an industry event, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts recently acknowledged that “wireless home internet has upended the broadband market, and we’re responding by accelerating DOCSIS 4.0 and fiber upgrades.”
Additionally, FWA allows carriers to monetize excess 5G capacity, which would otherwise remain underutilized in rural or suburban areas. This allows a more efficient return on spectrum investment—a critical factor in the ongoing 5G monetization challenge.
Spectrum, Congestion, and Regulation
Despite its benefits, FWA does face growing scrutiny. Network congestion in high-demand markets can impact service quality, particularly during peak usage hours. As subscriber bases grow, so does the need for continued investment in network densification and spectrum refarming.
The FCC has been monitoring the situation, especially where FWA providers may receive federal subsidies under programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) or BEAD. Ensuring that FWA meets minimum performance standards is becoming a regulatory focal point.
Moreover, some rural communities remain cautious, citing variable signal strength and weather-related interference as persistent concerns—underscoring the need for transparent consumer education and hybrid models that combine FWA with other access technologies.
A Disruptive But Stabilizing Force
As the U.S. market matures and global deployment continues at pace, FWA is no longer a temporary solution—it is a permanent fixture in the broadband landscape. By capitalizing on 5G infrastructure and avoiding the costly trenching associated with fiber, FWA enables telcos to serve new markets, increase ARPU (average revenue per user), and address digital inclusion goals.
The road ahead may demand more nuanced strategies—balancing spectrum allocation, quality of service, and evolving consumer expectations—but the trajectory is clear: FWA is here to stay.
