What is FWA?
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) uses wireless radio technology — typically 5G NR — to deliver broadband internet connectivity to homes and businesses, replacing the need for physical cables (fibre or copper). It is one of the most commercially successful 5G use cases, with operators globally deploying FWA as a direct competitor to cable and DSL broadband.
How Does FWA Work?
A 5G CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) device — installed outdoors on the building exterior or indoors on a window — connects to the 5G NR network, then provides Wi-Fi inside the premises. FR1 C-band FWA delivers hundreds of Mbps over wider areas; FR2 mmWave FWA delivers gigabit speeds in dense urban areas with shorter range.
Use Cases
Last-mile broadband where fibre is expensive or unavailable, rapid broadband rollout in new developments, rural broadband via low-band 5G, enterprise branch connectivity.
3GPP / Standards Reference
3GPP TR 22.261 (Service Requirements for the 5G System), ITU-R IMT-2020 eMBB use case framework
Related Terms
eMBB | FR1 | FR2 | mmWave | 5G | CPE
Learn More
This glossary entry is part of the 5GWorldPro Complete 5G Glossary. To go deeper into 5G architecture and technology, explore our 5G Training courses.
