Fixed wireless internet service providers

What is fixed wireless internet?

Fixed wireless internet is a type of internet service that uses broadcast towers to transmit and receive internet signals in the form of radio waves. A small dish or antenna receives the signals and sends them to a modem, which converts them into the internet service you use to browse the web, send emails and stream TV.

Similar to satellite internet, fixed wireless broadband eliminates the need for a phone or cable line for service, making it a popular choice for residents of rural areas. According to the FCC, fixed wireless internet service is available to about 37% of the U.S. population, with 21% having access to broadband speeds (up to 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload or higher).

Main service areas for fixed wireless internet providers include rural regions in the Midwest and western U.S.

Pros and cons of fixed wireless internet

Pros of fixed wireless internet

• Availability in rural areas – Fixed wireless broadband can reach areas where DSL, cable or fiber-optic internet may not be available.
• Low latency – The short distance between fixed wireless towers and receivers makes for latency numbers comparable to DSL or cable.
• High data allowances – Most providers include 100 GB of data or more per month, with some having no data caps at all.
• No phone line required – Fixed wireless internet is one of the  best ways to get cheap internet service without a phone line.

Cons of fixed wireless internet

• Equipment and line of sight – Similar to satellite internet, fixed wireless internet requires installing a small dish, which needs a direct line of sight to a fixed wireless tower to receive service.
• Weather disruptions – Rain, snow, fog and other instances of inclement weather can disrupt your connection.
• Signal interference – Radio frequencies are subject to crosstalk and interference, which may result in temporary service issues.
• Service and equipment cost – Monthly and initial startup costs for fixed wireless internet may be higher than other internet types.

Fixed wireless internet is likely to keep expanding

Fixed wireless internet already covers nearly half the U.S. population, but many providers hope to continue expanding their networks to bring the service to more areas.

AT&T announced that their fixed wireless service now covers parts of 18 states and the company hopes to “make internet access available in over 1.1 million locations by the end of 2020.”

Verizon’s fixed wireless internet — LTE Internet (installed) — is already available in most locations where Verizon 4G LTE service is offered. As Verizon rolls out their 5G network, new fixed wireless plans with faster speeds may become available in select areas.

Other fixed wireless providers, such as Rise Broadband, also hope to continue expansion and bring fixed wireless broadband to more areas. Rise Broadband announced plans to preserve their networks, currently in 16 states, with plans to expand to more markets in the coming years.

Will fixed wireless internet come to urban areas?

Most likely not, for a few reasons. First, cable, DSL and fiber-optic internet services are already common in these areas, so a new internet type is not necessarily needed.

Secondly, fixed wireless internet relies on open radio frequency channels for service. In densely-populated areas, radio frequency congestion and crosstalk is more likely to interfere with fixed wireless signals.

And lastly, fixed wireless internet requires a direct line of sight to the tower, something that may not be available due to tall buildings and other obstructions that come with urban areas.