5G FWA vs Fiber for Business: Which Is Better?

Fixed Wireless Access, otherwise known as FWA, is a type of broadband service that can reach nearly 1 Gbps download speeds depending on location. FWA uses 5G data from carriers like T-Mobile, Verizon, U.S. Cellular, and AT&T to offer insanely fast speeds to businesses that may not have the capital or need for a wired connection installation. Because this service is wireless, businesses that operate in eligible locations can usually perform self-installs without the need for infrastructure changes. One of the most common benefits associated with FWA is cost savings, as most small to medium-sized businesses will be able to find a plan that fits their needs for under $200 per month. Not sure which carrier to choose? RTech data can also be used for applications like this and includes access to our cloud data management software, the Cloud Data Platform.

Fiber-optic internet (aka fiber) is another type of broadband connection that has the capacity to reach download speeds up to 940 Mbps. The service requires the use of fiber-optic cable and can be run underground through conduits or aboveground using poles. Fiber is the top wired service offered by providers, but the catch is that it’s not widely available unless businesses find themselves in a large city or town. The average speed of a wired cable internet connection is 150 Mbps, which is what most users will have available. Unfortunately, prices rise significantly when increasing fiber speeds (If it’s even available), as the average price for a top-tier plan can exceed $300 per month.

5G FWA Goes Where Others Can’t

One of the biggest challenges to using a wired service like fiber is the unavailability of service to locations without modernized infrastructure. If a business isn’t located in a major city or large town, odds are fiber won’t be a viable option. Since FWA is wireless, a connection can usually be extended to wherever the selected carrier offers cell service. According to research by SignalChecker.com, over 90% of the United States has adequate cell service, which means millions of businesses should be able to use FWA as their primary connectivity source.

5G FWA Installation is a breeze

Unlike fiber, which requires significant investments and buildouts to deploy to new locations, FWA can usually be self-installed on-site. The average cost to bring fiber to a new location currently ranges between $60,000 and $80,000 per mile. With such an expensive price tag, users would expect service to be delivered promptly, but that isn’t always the case. Construction can be halted for a myriad of reasons, including things like weather and vehicle accidents. The RTech team has personally witnessed customers being left without connectivity for grand opening events due to their fiber connections not being completed on time. With fixed wireless, there are no construction costs and setup normally takes less than 30 minutes, as the only device to install is a router provided by the carrier.

5G FWA Router by carrier