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Technology Types

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)

Broadband delivered wirelessly from a cell tower or base station to an antenna at the customer's location, using 4G LTE or 5G signals.

What It Means

Fixed wireless has grown rapidly as T-Mobile and Verizon expanded their 5G home internet products. FWA can deliver 50-300 Mbps in most areas, with 5G mmWave capable of gigabit speeds at short range. Performance depends on distance from the tower, line of sight, and network congestion. FWA is often the fastest option in rural areas where wired infrastructure has not been deployed. The technology is capacity-constrained, meaning providers limit signups in areas where the network is congested.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Fixed Wireless Access" mean?

Broadband delivered wirelessly from a cell tower or base station to an antenna at the customer's location, using 4G LTE or 5G signals.

Why does Fixed Wireless Access matter for internet quality?

Fixed wireless has grown rapidly as T-Mobile and Verizon expanded their 5G home internet products. FWA can deliver 50-300 Mbps in most areas, with 5G mmWave capable of gigabit speeds at short range. Performance depends on distance from the tower, line of sight, and network congestion. FWA is often t...

Related Terms

Fiber Optic (FTTH)
Internet delivered via glass or plastic strands that transmit data as pulses of light, offering the fastest and most reliable residential connections available.
Cable Internet (DOCSIS)
Broadband delivered over coaxial cable TV lines using the DOCSIS protocol, typically offering 100-1,200 Mbps download but significantly slower upload speeds.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
Internet service delivered over traditional copper telephone lines, with speeds that degrade significantly over distance from the provider's central office.
Satellite Internet
Broadband delivered via orbiting satellites, available nearly anywhere but historically limited by high latency and low speeds until the introduction of low-earth orbit constellations.

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About This Data

Definitions based on FCC standards, industry specifications, and federal broadband policy. Speed benchmarks reflect 2024 FCC standards. See our methodology.