5G fixed wireless: a renewed playbook

One of the most interesting applications of 5G is in providing home broadband through fixed wireless access (FWA). In addition to the deployment cost advantage compared to fibre and cable, spectral efficiency gains and increased volumes of lower cost CPE are driving a more promising outlook for FWA adoption with 5G over the next five years. This has implications for broadband markets across a range of scenarios, including first-time adoption in developing countries and fixed-line access in mature markets, notably the US, Europe and the Gulf States in the Middle East. Regulatory conditions have also become more accommodating, which should further help adoption, particularly in meeting rural broadband connectivity targets.