Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) has had a significant impact on the telecommunications industry, resulting in transformative changes not just in Asia, but globally. This technology has rapidly evolved from a niche solution to a widely-used alternative, offering a network infrastructure that is both reliable and secure.
The deployment of FWA has become an advantageous innovation in the digital world, addressing challenges and reshaping the way individuals connect with high-speed internet and more reliable services.
Growth in FWA Usage
FWA involves the distribution of internet and communication services using wireless networks rather than the conventional wired infrastructure. This technology utilizes radio spectrum to create a direct link between the user's location and the network hub of the service provider.
The evolution of FWA can be attributed to increasing demand for more secure and dependable connectivity. FWA is designed for stationary or fixed locations, such as homes, businesses, or other fixed infrastructure, unlike mobile wireless services that are meant for on-the-go connectivity.
Studies predict that the FWA market will have significant growth in Southeast Asia alone, reaching 7.87 million subscriptions by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13% through 2028.
This significant growth can be due to various factors, such as the added priority of bridging the digital divide, the expansion of 5G technologies, and the development of additional revenue sources for communication service providers (CSPs). The service revenue for the FWA market is expected to reach a substantial amount of USD 2.23 billion by the end of 2028.
Additionally, the increasing demand for digital connectivity in Southeast Asia, coupled with the poor penetration rates of fixed broadband (FBB) in countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia, has pushed FWA as the preferred alternative. Consistent fiber deployment can be challenging due to the obstacles that are presented by the archipelagic structure of some of the countries in the region.
Revolutionizing Connectivity
One of the evident advantages of FWA is its enhanced security features. Traditional wired connections, which can be vulnerable to physical tampering and surveillance, frequently encounter security threats. FWA, on the other hand, operates on a closed radio frequency, which adds an extra layer of security against unauthorized access. The encryption protocols incorporated into FWA systems enhance security by protecting data transmissions from potential cyber threats.
For example, in countries such as Singapore and Japan, where cybersecurity is of utmost importance, FWA has become increasingly popular among corporations and government organizations because it efficiently mitigates the growing threats regarding cyber vulnerabilities that wired networks may present, as it securely transmits essential data through wireless communication.
It is also worth noting that the incorporation of FWA with 5G technology has further accelerated the deployment of this technology throughout Asia. The potential of FWA is complemented by the high bandwidth and low-latency capabilities of 5G networks, which provide customers with unparalleled speed and reliability, which is evident in countries like South Korea, China, and Japan.
The economic impacts of deploying FWA technology cannot be neglected. This has allowed for healthy competition among service providers, which in turn fosters innovation and reduces costs. As FWA becomes a viable alternative to wired internet, it also encourages more competition in the market.
There has been a rise in the level of competition among providers in some Asian countries which has not only resulted in an improved quality of the service, but also led to the development of internet plans that are more reasonably priced, which has made high-speed connectivity more accessible to a large number of subscribers.
Challenges with FWA Deployment
Despite its numerous benefits, there are still challenges to overcome when it comes to implementing FWA technology. The expansion of FWA is heavily influenced by regulatory frameworks, spectrum allocation, and economic investment in infrastructure. In order to ensure that service providers are operating on an equal playing field and to encourage healthy competition, governments throughout Asia need to develop regulations that are beneficial to the development of FWA networks.
The introduction of FWA in Asia has revolutionized the telco industry. It has contributed to the digital transformation of the region with its improved security features, reliability in remotes areas, and its integration with 5G technology.
