Fixed wireless: It’s not just for urban densification

Fixed wireless has garnered a lot of attention lately because both Verizon and AT&T are deploying the technology as a first step in their 5G networks. Not only does fixed wireless provide a first step in the evolution to 5G, but the technology can also be used for urban densification. And carriers can use it to “overbuild” in their competitor’s territory as well. For instance, Verizon has a lot of fiber in New York City, but with fixed 5G and its higher speeds, AT&T could poach some of Verizon’s broadband customers. And the telecom operators could also use fixed 5G wireless to lure residential broadband customers away from cable competitors such as Comcast. But there’s more. Fixed wireless could also bring broadband to rural areas that have never had any internet service. And last week C Spire, the nation’s sixth-largest wireless operator, announced it was partnering with Airspan Networks, Microsoft, Nokia and Siklu to come up with innovative ways to bring broadband to more rural areas.