Fixed Wireless Access Archives | GSA https://gsacom.com/technology/fixed-wireless-access/ GSA Global mobile Suppliers Association representing GSM/EDGE, WCDMA-HSPA, LTE LTE-Advanced, LTE Advanced Pro, 5G, IoT suppliers providing market facts & trends Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:49:14 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://gsacom.com/content/uploads/2022/11/GSA_Favicon-150x150.png Fixed Wireless Access Archives | GSA https://gsacom.com/technology/fixed-wireless-access/ 32 32 State of the Market April 2026 https://gsacom.com/paper/state-of-the-market-april-2026/ Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:47:14 +0000 https://gsacom.com/?post_type=paper&p=20370 State of the Market April 2026 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The global 5G market is entering a more selective and strategic phase…

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State of the Market April 2026

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The global 5G market is entering a more selective and strategic phase of development.

The first years of 5G were defined by launch momentum. Operators raced to switch on services, extend coverage and establish a visible 5G presence in their markets. That expansion continues, with 392 operators now having launched 5G networks and 643 operators investing in the technology overall. But the pace and character of growth are changing. The relatively modest annual increase in total 5G investment suggests that the market is moving beyond its initial land-grab phase and into a period shaped less by headline launches and more by network quality, architectural maturity and service differentiation.

As the global data in this latest report shows, that shift is most clearly visible in 5G Standalone. While non-standalone still accounts for the majority of launched services, standalone is steadily gaining share and now underpins much of the industry’s next wave of innovation. As operators build out standalone cores, they are putting in place the foundations for 5G RedCap, network slicing, more advanced enterprise offers and the broader transition towards programmable, cloud-native mobile networks. In parallel, the emergence of 5G-Advanced, which itself requires a 5G SA core, shows that the leading edge of the market is already beginning to move beyond basic 5G deployment and towards enhanced performance, efficiency and automation.

The ecosystem around 5G is also deepening. Device numbers continue to rise, but the more telling trend is diversification: alongside smartphones, the market now includes a growing base of industrial routers, modules, FWA CPEs and other specialised devices that support enterprise and sector-specific use cases. Private mobile networks are expanding steadily, with 5G taking a rising share, while satellite-to-cellphone partnerships are moving from concept to commercial launch. Fixed wireless access remains one of the most widely deployed and commercially proven 5G use cases, particularly in markets seeking to extend broadband reach quickly.

Taken together, these trends point to a market that is no longer defined simply by how many 5G networks exist, but by what those networks are becoming. 5G in 2026 will be shaped by standalone adoption, ecosystem readiness and the ability of operators to translate technical capability into commercial value.

In this report you will find the latest headline data behind all these trends and developments. All of the detail behind the data is available exclusively to GSA Members and Associates in GAMBoD, GSA’s suite of databases, covering devices, public networks, private networks, chipsets, spectrum assignments, spectrum pricing and a global database of mobile operator technology and spectrum profiles. All employees of GSA Member or GSA Associate organisation will be able to benefit from unlimited access to the full suite of seven databases.

Key Highlights

• 392 operators have launched 5G networks, up 14% from March 2025, reflecting 44% of total LTE and 5G networks.

• In the last year, 11 5G auctions have been completed across the world, for an average price of $663.4 million.

• As of now, there are 4,256 announced 5G devices, up 24% from last year. In comparison, total LTE devices totalled 29,024.

• 95 operators have launched a 5G Standalone service, highlighting a growth of 42% since 1Q25.

• In total, 35 operators are investing in 5G-Advanced, an increase of 71% since last year. Of these, 11 operators have launched a service.

• The manufacturing vertical is a strong adopter of mobile private networks, with 374 identified customer deployments, followed by the education and academic research sector with 169 customers deploying it.

• 97 operators are investing in satellite-to cellphone connectivity and 8 available chipsets are compatible with the technology.

• There are 394 operators who have launched a 5G fixed wireless service, with another 29 investing in the technology, an increase of 59% since June 2025.

The global 5G market is entering a more selective and strategic phase of development.

The data in this report is correct as of the end of March 2026.

State of the Market April 2026

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5G networks, spectrum & devices https://gsacom.com/webinar/5g-networks-spectrum-devices/ Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:39:40 +0000 https://gsacom.com/?post_type=webinar&p=20247 The expanding 5G ecosystem has led operators away from using non-standalone technology. Today, there are few 5G NSA launches, with…

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The expanding 5G ecosystem has led operators away from using non-standalone technology. Today, there are few 5G NSA launches, with operators instead opting for 5G standalone, with some operators already beginning to explore the benefits of 5G-Advanced technology.

With these developments, operators can unlock greater potential through network slicing, 5G reduced capability (RedCap) and voice over New Radio (VoNR). Meanwhile, devices and chipsets continue to play a crucial role in the development of 5G, with the ecosystem of compatible devices expanding from the most-premium smartphones to drones, outdoor customer premises equipment (CPE), modules and asset trackers.

Join the GSA Research team to access the latest market data on the status of:

  • 5G networks deploying 5G non-standalone and 5G SS
  • 5G-Advanced network launches
  • 5G RedCap, VoNR and network slicing
  • Commercially available 5G devices, including form factors, chipsets and spectrum support
  • 5G Private Mobile Networks
  • 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN)

All of the detail behind this data shared in this webinar is available exclusively to GSA Members and Associates in GAMBoD, GSA’s suite of databases, covering devices, public networks, private networks, chipsets, spectrum assignments, spectrum pricing and a global database of mobile operator technology and spectrum profiles.

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FWA Market December 2025 https://gsacom.com/paper/fwa-market-december-2025/ Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:52:43 +0000 https://gsacom.com/?post_type=paper&p=20065 FWA Market December 2025 This report on the global status of the fixed wireless access (FWA) market brings updates about the availability…

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FWA Market December 2025

This report on the global status of the fixed wireless access (FWA) market brings updates about the availability of FWA broadband services based on LTE and 5G; tariff structures; service portability; service speeds and device support for FWA. This research was carried out in October 2025.

Highlights from this update:

  • In FWA broadband services, GSA has identified announced service offers from 526 operators in 183 countries and territories, and launched services from 487 operators in 176 countries and territories.
  • Europe and the Middle East and Africa have the highest number of operators delivering FWA services using LTE or 5G.
  • More than 40% of tariffs for LTE FWA are based on data volume, with speed-based structures favoured by just over 22% of operators. The difference is less marked with 5G FWA.
  • The average of the marketed maximum peak download speeds for LTE FWA was 152.1 Mbps, up from 150.8 Mbps in June 2025, based on data for 368 operators. For 5G-based offerings, the average maximum peak download speed was 851.3 Mbps, up from 768.6 Mbps.

The full data set from the global service provider research is available to Associates and Members in Excel format.

This report will be updated in the first half of 2026. If you would like to share information about new FWA devices or service launches, please let us know at research@gsacom.com.

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GSA Research

Mobile industry research is the backbone of GSA activity and covers topics from devices, chipsets and technology, to networks, features and spectrum.

The GSA research team is constantly following market dynamics and activity to ensure the latest data is available to GSA users via the GSA website.

Data is updated monthly and quarterly and can be referenced by users who register for free on the GSA website and download multiple reports, charts and videos of webinars. GSA welcomes any contributions on industry data from mobile operators, vendors and suppliers what want to ensure accurate industry data is shared globally.

GSA GAMBoD Database

GSA reports are based on extensive data contained in the GSA GAMBoD databases, which is a resource available to GSA members and associates. Companies and policy makers can subscribe, as a GSA associate, to gain access to GSA databases and member reports for additional insights into the source data behind reports, which can be used for their own research purposes.

Discounted annual subscription are available to regulators, government agencies and licensed mobile operators.

Please email info@gsacom.com for more information.

FWA Market December 2025

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Trends in FWA December 2025 https://gsacom.com/paper/trends-in-fwa-december-2025/ Mon, 01 Dec 2025 13:52:39 +0000 https://gsacom.com/?post_type=paper&p=20034 Trends in FWA December 2025 The technology trends and deployment best practices shaping the future of 5G Fixed Wireless Access…

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Trends in FWA December 2025

The technology trends and deployment best practices shaping the future of 5G Fixed Wireless Access

5G-enabled FWA CPE shipments are now the majority in 4 out of 7 regions globally, with additional innovative features and capabilities set to keep fuelling 5G FWA momentum in the years to come. These were the headline findings from the 5th edition of the FWA Forum’s annual Fixed Wireless Access CPE market survey.

The 2025 edition of the GSA 4G-5G FWA Forum Fixed Wireless Access CPE market survey revealed that FWA CPE vendors expect shipments to accelerate, growing 26% in 2025. Globally, 5G FWA is increasingly the norm, with, for the first time, over half the world (4 out of 7 regions) reporting that over 50% of FWA CPE shipments in 2024 were 5G-enabled. This marks a significant change since last year’s survey, where only US and India reported 5G-enabled FWA CPE shipments of over 50%. Today, 5G is also in the majority in China and RoAPAC, with North America and India now reporting share of 5G CPE shipments at 93% and 92% respectively.

Growth will continue, with the consolidated 5G FWA CPE shipments of the representative cross-section of FWA CPE vendors surveyed expected to increase to 20.1 million in 2025, a 19% increase. On top of the continuous wider adoption of the 5G FWA value proposition by operators globally, several market developments will also contribute to this growth. For example, mmWave-capable 5G CPE shipments are expected to grow to over 1 million in the same period (+47% yoy) while the survey also reveals 41% of vendors expect to introduce a 5G RedCap-capable FWA product in 2025.

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Designing the Next Generation of Fixed Wireless Access Antennas for 4G and 5G Connectivity https://gsacom.com/industry-insights/designing-the-fwa-antennnas/ Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:52:40 +0000 https://gsacom.com/?post_type=industry-insights&p=19971 As 4G and 5G networks extend deeper into urban, suburban and rural regions, advanced FWA antennas are redefining how broadband is delivered. By combining multi-band operation, efficient form factors, and sustainable manufacturing, new FWA antenna systems are playing a key role in closing the global digital divide.

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As 4G and 5G networks extend deeper into urban, suburban and rural regions, advanced Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) antennas are redefining how broadband is delivered. This article explores the research, design, and testing processes that enable robust FWA performance from 617 MHz to 7200 MHz.

A Changing Connectivity Landscape

The demand for reliable broadband has never been greater. From remote work and digital education to IoT-enabled agriculture and industry, the global reliance on high-capacity wireless networks continues to accelerate. Yet, in many regions, fibre and copper infrastructure remain economically unfeasible or physically impractical. Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) bridges this gap—delivering broadband via radio links instead of cables. Its success, however, depends heavily on one component often taken for granted: the antenna system. The performance, design, and efficiency of these antennas determine how effectively FWA can serve both dense urban environments and isolated rural communities.

Research: Understanding Market and Spectrum Realities

Before design begins, FWA antenna development must start with research—mapping real-world deployment needs, available spectrum, and cost-to-performance trade-offs. At the lower end of the spectrum (617 MHz–960 MHz), extended coverage and better building penetration are achievable—ideal for rural connectivity where tower spacing is large. Higher frequency bands (up to 7200 MHz) offer higher data capacity and reduced latency for suburban and urban use cases. This balance between coverage and throughput defines the architectural decisions behind every new generation of FWA antennas. Emerging markets demand cost-effective outdoor antennas that enhance existing router performance, reduce cable losses, and maintain consistent throughput in variable weather conditions. Urban regions, meanwhile, prioritize compact, aesthetically neutral designs with precise directional control to avoid interference.

Design: From Concept to Electromagnetic Reality

The design phase converts these needs into practical engineering outcomes. It starts with concept development—selecting antenna types suited for FWA environments, such as omni-directional units for broad coverage and directional or sector antennas for high-throughput links. Modern antenna design leverages advanced electromagnetic simulation tools that predict performance under realistic conditions. These simulations assess parameters such as radiation pattern, impedance matching, and beamwidth. Materials are chosen not only for RF efficiency but also for resilience—UV-stabilized plastics, corrosion-resistant metals, and weatherproof sealing enable long-term outdoor operation.

Wireless Theory: Why Antenna Design Matters

Wireless communication relies on electromagnetic waves carrying data from transmitter to receiver. Modulation schemes like Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) embed information into the carrier wave by varying both amplitude and phase, allowing multiple bits per symbol. Even under perfect conditions, a signal weakens as it travels—a phenomenon known as Free Space Path Loss (FSPL). FSPL increases with both distance and frequency, meaning higher-frequency 5G links require more precise antenna gain and alignment to maintain stable connections. Effective FWA design compensates for FSPL through optimized gain, beam shaping, and careful alignment between transmitting and receiving antennas.

Simulation and Iteration: The Digital Testing Ground

Sophisticated 3D electromagnetic solvers now make it possible to simulate antenna behavior long before fabrication. By testing multiple prototypes virtually, engineers can iteratively refine parameters such as impedance bandwidth, isolation between ports, and overall radiation efficiency. The result is an antenna optimized not only for maximum gain but also for stability across frequency bands and operating environments. This virtual testing phase shortens development cycles and reduces costly physical re-spins.

Validation: Laboratory and Field Performance

No simulation is complete without real-world verification. Laboratory testing in anechoic chambers measures return loss, gain, and radiation patterns under controlled conditions. Environmental testing then subjects prototypes to extremes of temperature, humidity, wind, and vibration to validate durability. Field trials follow—deployments in rural and urban sites where engineers measure throughput, latency, and signal integrity under operational load. These trials often reveal practical installation insights such as optimal mounting height, cabling considerations, and router-integration behavior.

Manufacturing for Scalability and Quality

Once performance is validated, antenna production must meet large-scale demand without compromising precision. Efficient manufacturing hinges on component standardization, supply-chain reliability, and stringent quality assurance at every stage. Scalable production ensures that high-performance FWA antennas remain economically viable for both large network operators and small rural ISPs. Global demand for multi-band solutions is accelerating—manufacturers now design platforms flexible enough to support LTE, 4G, 5G, and even Wi-Fi backhaul from a single housing.

Real-World Deployments: Rural and Urban Examples

Rural deployments highlight the transformative power of low-band antennas (617–960 MHz). In these regions, subscribers who previously relied on satellite or unreliable DSL can now access broadband exceeding 50 Mbps using outdoor FWA installations. Urban tests, conversely, demonstrate how higher-band antennas (3.3–7.2 GHz) enable multi-gigabit 5G connectivity in high-density environments. By integrating multiple antenna elements and supporting MIMO operation, these solutions achieve both capacity and stability even amid heavy network contention.

The Road Ahead: MIMO, Efficiency, and Sustainability

Next-generation FWA antennas will increasingly incorporate massive-MIMO architectures, supporting advanced beamforming and dynamic spectrum allocation. Sustainability is also becoming integral to design philosophy. Modern manufacturers are adopting recyclable materials, modular housings, and energy-efficient production methods. As networks expand, environmental responsibility and performance optimization will no longer be competing priorities—they will be inseparable.

Conclusion

Fixed Wireless Access is no longer a stopgap for unconnected regions; it has evolved into a critical component of the 5G ecosystem. Behind every successful deployment lies a meticulously engineered antenna—one that balances gain, coverage, and aesthetics with the realities of mass deployment. As the 4G-to-5G transition continues, antenna innovation remains pivotal in determining the reach, reliability, and sustainability of wireless broadband.

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FWA Forum Plenary September 2025 https://gsacom.com/paper/fwa-forum-plenary-september-2025/ Tue, 30 Sep 2025 09:29:02 +0000 https://gsacom.com/?post_type=paper&p=19854 FWA Forum Plenary September 2025 Link to the webinar 30th September 2025  here. 5G-enabled FWA CPE shipments are now the…

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FWA Forum Plenary September 2025

Link to the webinar 30th September 2025  here.

5G-enabled FWA CPE shipments are now the majority in 4 out of 7 regions globally, according to the data from this year’s GSA FWA Forum survey of CPE vendors. Innovative features and capabilities such as 5G RedCap, mmWave and AI are set to keep fuelling 5G FWA momentum in the years to come.

Senior representatives from Telstra, FWA vendors and the GSA Research Team confirm the true status of 5G fixed wireless access deployments, identify and share best practice, and explore the role of new technologies in helping create a competitive advantage.

The agenda of the Plenary includes the below items which you can listen to at the link above.

FWA market status – the results of this year’s FWA CPE vendor survey
Deployment best practice – the Telstra experience and its “Dynamic 5G FWA” solution for enterprises
The FWA ecosystem – what the CPE, module and chipset vendors need to do to support and capitalise on the FWA opportunity.
The GSA 4G-5G FWA Forum Plenary-8 is sponsored by Poynting and START.

© GSA 2025

FWA Forum Plenary September 2025

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FWA Forum Plenary September 2025

 

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GSA Research

Mobile industry research is the backbone of GSA activity and covers topics from devices, chipsets and technology, to networks, features and spectrum.

The GSA research team is constantly following market dynamics and activity to ensure the latest data is available to GSA users via the GSA website.

Data is updated monthly and quarterly and can be referenced by users who register for free on the GSA website and download multiple reports, charts and videos of webinars. GSA welcomes any contributions on industry data from mobile operators, vendors and suppliers what want to ensure accurate industry data is shared globally.

GSA GAMBoD Database

GSA reports are based on extensive data contained in the GSA GAMBoD databases, which is a resource available to GSA members and associates. Companies and policy makers can subscribe, as a GSA associate, to gain access to GSA databases and member reports for additional insights into the source data behind reports, which can be used for their own research purposes.

Discounted annual subscription are available to regulators, government agencies and licensed mobile operators.

Please email info@gsacom.com for more information.

 

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FWA-CPE Vendor-Survey September 2025 – Full Report https://gsacom.com/paper/fwa-cpe-vendor-survey-september-2025-2/ Thu, 25 Sep 2025 09:18:56 +0000 https://gsacom.com/?post_type=paper&p=19831 FWA-CPE Vendor-Survey September 2025 This is the full slide deck/report for GSA FWA Partners, Members and GSA Members and Associate…

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FWA-CPE Vendor-Survey September 2025

This is the full slide deck/report for GSA FWA Partners, Members and GSA Members and Associate subscribers.

GSA Members/Associates who wish to get the Excel file behind the data please email the request to admin@gsacom.com

This report presents results of the sixth-edition survey of the 4G and 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) device ecosystem. It offers a comprehensive overview of the current state and outlook of the market for FWA customer premises equipment (CPE), with insights into technological trends, market growth and regional dynamics.

The full report providing additional analysis is only available to members of the GSA 4G–5G FWA Forum. The purpose of this group is to educate the industry about the FWA market. There are currently no agreed market definitions, there is a lack of market information and no consensus about the volume of FWA device shipments and FWA installed base globally. GSA’s annual FWA CPE market survey aims to address these issues. Companies wishing to join should contact us at admin@gsacom.com.

Key points from the report:

  • FWA CPE shipments are expected to increase by 26% in 2025, reaching 35.3 million units. In 2024, shipments were 28.0 million units from 17 survey respondents, marking a 22% increase from 2023.
  • The majority of shipments are 5G-enabled devices, with 16.8 million units shipped in 2024. This is expected to account for 57% of shipments in 2025.
  • Growth in 5G FWA shipments was notable in the Asia–Pacific region, the Middle East and Africa, and North America.
  • Integrated indoor CPE remains the largest segment, followed by battery-operated hot spots and outdoor CPE.
  • There has been a strong interest in 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap), with 41% of vendors planning to introduce RedCap-enabled CPE in 2025. Additionally, 5G standalone technology is seeing increased adoption.
  • Most vendors believe that the main benefit of AI capabilities for 5G FWA CPE is improved 5G connectivity performance and experience.

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FWA-CPE Vendor-Survey September 2025

© GSA 2025

https://gsacom.com

GSA Research

Mobile industry research is the backbone of GSA activity and covers topics from devices, chipsets and technology, to networks, features and spectrum.

The GSA research team is constantly following market dynamics and activity to ensure the latest data is available to GSA users via the GSA website.

Data is updated monthly and quarterly and can be referenced by users who register for free on the GSA website and download multiple reports, charts and videos of webinars. GSA welcomes any contributions on industry data from mobile operators, vendors and suppliers what want to ensure accurate industry data is shared globally.

GSA GAMBoD Database

GSA reports are based on extensive data contained in the GSA GAMBoD databases, which is a resource available to GSA members and associates. Companies and policy makers can subscribe, as a GSA associate, to gain access to GSA databases and member reports for additional insights into the source data behind reports, which can be used for their own research purposes.

Discounted annual subscription are available to regulators, government agencies and licensed mobile operators.

Please email info@gsacom.com for more information.

 

FWA-CPE Vendor-Survey September 2025

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FWA-CPE Vendor-Survey September 2025 https://gsacom.com/paper/fwa-cpe-vendor-survey-september-2025/ Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:55:04 +0000 https://gsacom.com/?post_type=paper&p=19798 FWA-CPE Vendor-Survey September 2025 This report presents results of the sixth-edition survey of the 4G and 5G fixed wireless access…

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FWA-CPE Vendor-Survey September 2025

This report presents results of the sixth-edition survey of the 4G and 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) device ecosystem. It offers a comprehensive overview of the current state and outlook of the market for FWA customer premises equipment (CPE), with insights into technological trends, market growth and regional dynamics.

The full report providing additional analysis is only available to members of the GSA 4G–5G FWA Forum. The purpose of this group is to educate the industry about the FWA market. There are currently no agreed market definitions, there is a lack of market information and no consensus about the volume of FWA device shipments and FWA installed base globally. GSA’s annual FWA CPE market survey aims to address these issues. Companies wishing to join should contact us at admin@gsacom.com.

Key points from the report:

  • FWA CPE shipments are expected to increase by 26% in 2025, reaching 35.3 million units. In 2024, shipments were 28.0 million units from 17 survey respondents, marking a 22% increase from 2023.
  • The majority of shipments are 5G-enabled devices, with 16.8 million units shipped in 2024. This is expected to account for 57% of shipments in 2025.
  • Growth in 5G FWA shipments was notable in the Asia–Pacific region, the Middle East and Africa, and North America.
  • Integrated indoor CPE remains the largest segment, followed by battery-operated hot spots and outdoor CPE.
  • There has been a strong interest in 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap), with 41% of vendors planning to introduce RedCap-enabled CPE in 2025. Additionally, 5G standalone technology is seeing increased adoption.
  • Most vendors believe that the main benefit of AI capabilities for 5G FWA CPE is improved 5G connectivity performance and experience.

LinkedIn

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YouTube

Weibo

WeChat: GSA Express

 

 

FWA-CPE Vendor-Survey September 2025

© GSA 2025

https://gsacom.com

GSA Research

Mobile industry research is the backbone of GSA activity and covers topics from devices, chipsets and technology, to networks, features and spectrum.

The GSA research team is constantly following market dynamics and activity to ensure the latest data is available to GSA users via the GSA website.

Data is updated monthly and quarterly and can be referenced by users who register for free on the GSA website and download multiple reports, charts and videos of webinars. GSA welcomes any contributions on industry data from mobile operators, vendors and suppliers what want to ensure accurate industry data is shared globally.

GSA GAMBoD Database

GSA reports are based on extensive data contained in the GSA GAMBoD databases, which is a resource available to GSA members and associates. Companies and policy makers can subscribe, as a GSA associate, to gain access to GSA databases and member reports for additional insights into the source data behind reports, which can be used for their own research purposes.

Discounted annual subscription are available to regulators, government agencies and licensed mobile operators.

Please email info@gsacom.com for more information.

FWA-CPE Vendor-Survey September 2025

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FWA Forum Plenary – #8 https://gsacom.com/webinar/fwa-forum-plenary-8/ Wed, 10 Sep 2025 10:37:15 +0000 https://gsacom.com/?post_type=webinar&p=19673 5G-enabled FWA CPE shipments are now the majority in 4 out of 7 regions globally, according to the data from…

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5G-enabled FWA CPE shipments are now the majority in 4 out of 7 regions globally, according to the data from this year’s GSA FWA Forum survey of CPE vendors. Innovative features and capabilities such as 5G RedCap, mmWave and AI are set to keep fuelling 5G FWA momentum in the years to come.

Join senior representatives from Telstra, FWA vendors and the GSA Research Team as they confirm the true status of 5G fixed wireless access deployments, identify and share best practice, and explore the role of new technologies in helping create a competitive advantage.

The agenda of the Plenary includes:

  • FWA market status – the results of this year’s FWA CPE vendor survey
  • Deployment best practice – the Telstra experience and its “Dynamic 5G FWA” solution for enterprises
  • The FWA ecosystem – what the CPE, module and chipset vendors need to do to support and capitalise on the FWA opportunity.

Download the presentation slides here: https://gsacom.com/paper/fwa-forum-plenary-september-2025/

The GSA 4G-5G FWA Forum Plenary-8 is sponsored by Poynting and START.

 

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mmWave: the broadband business opportunity hiding in plain sight https://gsacom.com/industry-insights/mmwave-the-broadband-business-opportunity-hiding-in-plain-sight/ Fri, 29 Aug 2025 16:52:21 +0000 https://gsacom.com/?post_type=industry-insights&p=19628 As network demand intensifies, mmWave offers operators a way to deliver premium experience and profitable broadband. The ecosystem is ready. The modelling tools are mature. And the business opportunity is real. For operators looking to lead the next phase of 5G, now is the time to make mmWave a key part of the FWA strategy.

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mmWave — once held back by network complexities, spectrum availability and early 5G expectations — is now beginning to deliver on its original promise: ultra-fast, reliable broadband connectivity where it’s needed most. When used strategically as part of a Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) play, it can boost network capacity, drive new revenue streams, and deliver strong business benefits, all while delivering on the social imperative of connecting the unconnected.

The promise of mmWave

5G millimeter wave spectrum uses very high frequencies: 24 GHz and higher on the 5G spectrum chart. In these frequencies, and their abundance lies the great promise of delivering very high-speed broadband in the multi-gigabit range. However, the physics of high-frequency transmission represents a challenge for mmWave communications, which have traditionally suffered from interference and propagation loss.

Until recently, mmWave spectrum was not widespread, limiting the number of operators able to adopt and champion the technology. Today, mmWave spectrum is becoming more widely available and always much less expensive than sub-6 GHz, making it a cost-effective, high-capacity option for operators.

Available spectrum is, of course, only useful when technology is available and sufficiently mature to use it. The 5G ecosystem has grown significantly since mmWave was initially launched. Chipsets are available for mobile and FWA applications and extensive R&D has gone into solutions that overcome many of the challenges of mmWave.

And through deployments and breakthroughs in technology, we’ve shown that mmWave is capable of much more than was once assumed:

  • mmWave can be used in urban, suburban and rural areas without the need for costly network densification
  • mmWave can be used in non-line-of-sight conditions
  • mmWave can avoid environmental disruptions
  • mmWave can cover distances exceeding 10 km in the right rural environment.

The capacity crunch

The first wave of 5G radio brought new frequency bands to the table, offering significant capacity through increased bandwidth and 5G technologies, later resulted in higher spectral efficiency. These 5G sub-6GHz upgrades were made for enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), but operators soon learned that this additional capacity could generate all new revenues through broadband services delivered by FWA. Sub-6 GHz launched the FWA revolution and made it the #1 new revenue generating use case for 5G.

Of course, nothing comes for free, and many operators have struggled with the reality that FWA customers consume 20 times more data than mobile customers. To sustain growth, operators need additional capacity.

That capacity is available using millimeter wave spectrum at 24 GHz and higher. A typical operator has access to 400-800 MHz spectrum at mmWave compared to ~ 40-50MHz at sub-6 GHz TDD (Time Division Duplex). Therefore, mmWave is ideally suited for providing high-capacity and high-data-rate FWA services.

At congested base stations, mmWave can provide a capacity overlay, serving nearby FWA subscribers and freeing up mid-band resources for mobile users and distant FWA customers. Nokia studies indicate that sub-6 GHz networks can become saturated at 12% penetration of FWA services in suburban areas. With a mmWave overlay, operators can support up to 40% penetration while achieving an 84% higher Discounted Cumulative Cash Flow (DCCF) in year seven. All while leaving plenty of capacity available for mobile broadband.

More than just capacity: a versatile business enabler

mmWave FWA is now proving its value across a range of broadband use cases. Whether in high-traffic urban centers, dense residential areas, or targeted enterprise deployments, mmWave has evolved from a technical curiosity to a strategic enabler of business value that brings a new set of opportunities.

  • In dense urban areas, mmWave supports premium 5G (fixed and mobile) experiences while easing mid-band congestion
  • Multi-dwelling units and high-density housing can be served with a single mmWave broadband backhaul enabling operators to serve the entire building while ensuring that every tenant receives the same, consistent level of broadband service
  • In enterprise and venue environments, it creates opportunities for high-value service tiers and SLAs
  • For industrial applications, it enables fast and reliable connectivity to locations that can be difficult to reach, enabling high-speed telemetry and video monitoring
  • For business applications mmWave has the capacity to establish true Ethernet links between business entities with Ethernet PDU (Protocol Data Unit)

Overcoming challenges with intelligent solutions

FWA has adapted in recent years to meet the mmWave challenges of high attenuation and propagation loss. According to GSA’s mmWave Hot Topic, 203 operators in 56 countries are now investing in mmWave network deployments—supported by a growing ecosystem of mmWave-capable devices. Adoption of mmWave FWA has taken time, but its growth is marked by technological advancements.

Fixed Wireless Access devices for the home are far more powerful than ever before. Very high-gain antennas are now capable of picking up reflected signals, which enables non-line-of-sight operation. Devices with a 360-degree view of the radio environment can detect these reflections from any angle to increase the likelihood of finding a usable signal. With the added benefit of intelligent algorithms, they can adapt automatically to changing environments without the need for human intervention, enabling consistent coverage as trees grow, neighborhoods change, and obstructions occur, with sub-6 GHz signals on hand to maintain connectivity under the worst of conditions. And thanks to the latest high-gain antennas, mmWave is being successfully harnessed to provide 5G FWA to rural and remote areas that were previously believed to be impossible to serve with mmWave.

These aren’t just theoretical benefits. NBN Co. in Australia is using mmWave to offer FWA at multiple service tiers, including a gigabit service, to customers who previously only had access to satellite internet services. As of January 2025, NBN had more than 70,000 subscribers using those FWA broadband services and has demonstrated connectivity speeds of up to 2.3 Gbps at almost 9 km from the transmitting site.

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