Declaration Networks CEO: We’re Shifting Focus from Fixed Wireless to Fiber

Declaration Networks deploys fixed wireless access (FWA) to unserved and underserved areas. But as CEO Bob Nichols said, “Most of our networks moving forward will be fiber-to-the-home.” Declaration Networks was one of the first companies to deploy FWA using TV white spaces (TVWS) spectrum and as a participant in Microsoft’s Airband rural broadband deployment program. Airband initially had a TVWS focus, offering technical and other support to FWA provider participants. TVWS is vacant broadcast TV spectrum in the 600-700 MHz band. Where not in use by broadcasters, it can be used for FWA and does not require line of sight (LOS). Although the technology got a lot of attention five to 10 years ago, it hasn’t been widely deployed, as other methods of achieving non-LOS communications have become available. Declaration Networks recently won broadband funding awards, including one in rural Washington. The company’s shift toward fiber broadband is in keeping with the requirements of typical federal and state funding programs, Nichols noted.