Fixed Wireless Is Having Its Day, But Fiber Is the Real Competition

Comcast Executive Vice President and Deputy Chief Financial Officer Jason Armstrong said the biggest threat to the cable business is coming from fiber, not just from fixed wireless access (FWA). While there have been several factors attributed to the accelerated slowdown in cable broadband growth -- sluggish new home formation, minimal housing moves, and the transition to a new federally subsidized program for low-income families -- competition from both fixed wireless and, especially, fiber-based broadband providers have emerged as significant players. Dave Watson, CEO of Comcast Cable, also commented that although FWA is having its "moment" due to low cost and novelty, it falls short on speed and reliability. Watson noted that fiber is the real long-term competitor.