The 5G FWA opportunity: a TCO model for an ISP deploying a greenfield 5G mmWave FWA network

5G fixed wireless access (FWA) is now a commercial reality in developed and developing countries around the world. While FWA solutions have been around for more than two decades, the massive performance improvements enabled by 5G and the use of mmWave spectrum (enabling speeds that are over 10 times that of 4G) make 5G FWA a competitive solution compared to the predominant technologies in the fixed broadband market.

This is the fourth in a series of research reports examining the conditions under which 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) can be a cost-effective means to deliver broadband services (with download speeds of at least 100 Mbps), compared to alternative wireline technologies and according to different deployment strategies. In this report, we focus on an ISP that has no existing wireless network and is looking at alternative deployment options, including 5G FWA (a greenfield 5G mmWave FWA network). The scenario is relevant to ISPs evaluating alternative fixed broadband options to upgrade their networks in underserved areas or to enter new markets, as well as entrepreneurs considering launching a new fixed broadband alternative.