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2 Ericsson | Fixed Wireless Access Insights

Typical network
evolution steps

Early 5G Superior network Differentiated Expand for FWA

deployments performance connectivity

Add new spectrum

Slicing

5G NSA 5G SA

The early commercial 5G networks relied Now, leading service providers are 5G Advanced is the latest addition to 5G
on the LTE infrastructure regarding radio introducing Network and RAN Slicing to and is a key enabler for high-performing
access and core network. Referred to as enable 5G monetization opportunities programmable networks. The first 5G
5G non-Standalone (5G NSA), this was with differentiated connectivity for new wave lay the basis for coverage buildout
to accelerate rollout. 5G NSA allowed experience-based services, with high and exploratory steps into new market
service providers to increase the bandwidth requirements on consistent throughput, segments. 5G Advanced, on the other hand,
available to end users by bundling 4G reliability, and latency. unleashes new powerful network features
and 5G carriers through 4G–5G Dual An example of this is premium FWA. and capabilities that makes it possible to
Connectivity. With the success of 5G FWA, service automate, innovate, and monetize with
To unlock the full capability, providers are planning to go above and 5G in entirely new ways and on a much
performance, and efficiency of 5G, service beyond to fuel the continued growth of bigger scale. See more on Ericsson 5G
providers introduce 5G Standalone FWA connections and capture the demand Advanced at:
(5G SA) with a dedicated 5G Core and for even higher speed tiers. Expand for → https://www.ericsson.com/en/5g/5g-
highly efficient 5G air interface without FWA by adding new spectrums, such as for-service-providers/5g-advanced
dependency on existing LTE networks. millimeter wave, to enhance network
The superior performance network is also performance and user experiences.
prepared for better experiences and the
next monetization step.
3 Ericsson | Fixed Wireless Access Insights

The RAN toolbox

for 5G FWA
The superior network performance of 5G experience, capacity, and coverage of the and prioritization across different slices to
is the foundation for the success of FWA radio access network. fulfill guaranteed service-level agreements.
and the opportunity to provide fiber-like More new spectrum is becoming Many RAN features are service-aware
services at a large scale. available in mid-band TDD and mmWave, for differentiating services, functions, and
5G Standalone (SA) unlocks the full with wide bandwidths that can carry large feature behavior in terms of configuration
potential of 5G. The 5G NR Standalone amounts of data traffic. and observability and adapting the RAN
software upgrade provides an enhanced As mentioned, slicing and differentiated behavior to fulfill diverse services and
user experience, increased coverage, connectivity enables the generation of requirements. It can, for example, be used
improved network efficiency, and less more revenues with experience-based to optimize parameter settings for best
complexity, enabling new business services like premium FWA and services FWA performance, steer FWA subscribers
opportunities. with high requirements on consistent to a certain frequency band, and provide
Carrier aggregation (CA) is essential throughput, reliability, and latency. observability for the FWA UE group.
to deploy better 5G. It maximizes the use RAN differentiated connectivity is Real-time AI-enabled automation
of scattered spectrum and enhances the the key enabler for the 5G monetization is essential to fulfill business needs and
user experience. It is also a powerful tool opportunities. This software solution offers reduce operating costs. A distributed
to extend the coverage. service differentiation and guaranteed automation that allows real-time
Massive MIMO (M-MIMO) is a performance for many new services, optimization at scale, with increased use
key component to accelerate 5G. The with an overall efficient utilization of the of AI, in complex network and service
beamforming, single-user, and multi- common 5G RAN. It supports dynamic scenarios not viable with manual ways
user MIMO solutions enhance the user optimization of radio resource allocation of working.

Optimization – FWA enhancement examples For high performance

Coverage Speed Capacity FWA devices, in fixed
locations, with high data
consumption.

Generate more revenue – RAN Differentiated Connectivity Reduce operating cost –

Network Slicing Adapt the RAN behavior
Real-time AI-powered
to fulfil diverse services
Automation
and requirements.

Foundation – Superior network performance Distributed automation

Exceptional user that allows real-time
experience and optimization at scale,
network capacity. with increased use of AI.
5G Standalone Carrier Aggregation Massive MIMO New spectrum

A characteristic of FWA is using high- user MIMO and uplink carrier aggregation. conditions between high tower radio sites
performance devices in fixed locations, This requires devices with three transmit and outdoor roof-top mounted CPEs,
with typically good RF conditions and high antennas (3Tx), which is especially which can deliver much longer mmWave
data consumption. Specific enhancements appealing for FWA service providers given cell ranges – beyond 10 kilometers – in
can be applied to optimize these FWA- that device output power constraints contrast to smartphones. This requires
unique scenarios. Examples of areas of and the placement of additional radio the use of high-power radios, high-power
FWA enhancements are coverage, speed, frequency components are simplified for CPEs, and mmWave extended-range
and capacity. FWA devices with larger form factors in software that can accommodate the
For example, FWA users can benefit contrast to smartphones. increased propagation time at longer
from much higher upload speeds and Another example is FWA deployments distances.
capacity when combining uplink single- with good line-of-sight propagation
4 Ericsson | Fixed Wireless Access Insights

Multiple FWA benefits

enabled by 5G SA
In the context of Fixed Wireless Access, the introduction
of 5G Standalone (SA) marks a significant event, enhancing
efficiency, performance, and differentiation for FWA.

The freedom from 4G infrastructure fast connections and enhancing the end- speed differentiation. This optimizes FWA
empowers service providers to shape 5G user experience. The SA approach, avoiding revenue and establishes a framework for
networks, unlocking the full potential power-sharing with LTE, allows full power offering tailored services with specific
of spectrum resources. This strategic utilization for NR, resulting in superior commitments. Whether serving residential
autonomy, immediate NR access, and uplink coverage and throughput. Together users, businesses, or online gaming, service
reduced latency result in a streamlined with superior Massive MIMO performance, providers can customize FWA services
FWA ecosystem. It signifies a fundamental these enhancements have a strong positive for optimal performance, enhancing the
shift towards efficiency, where the reduced impact on throughput, contributing to an overall customer experience.
$/GB for 5G FWA becomes a reality, overall improvement in network capacity In summary, 5G SA transforms the
underscoring the financial soundness of available for FWA. FWA scenario, emphasizing efficiency,
5G SA. 5G SA empowers service providers to performance, and differentiation. By
Performance is a key focus as 5G SA stand out in a competitive landscape, maximizing spectrum use, optimizing
maximizes NR spectrum utilization. enabling them to differentiate their service performance, and providing unique
With instant access, it simplifies the FWA offerings. By leveraging 5G SA’s services, 5G SA becomes a strategic
Radio Access Network and CPE devices capabilities, service providers implement enabler for service providers to develop
drastically. Unlike 5G NSA, SA operates sophisticated monetization strategies, new revenue streams for premium FWA
without an LTE anchor, resulting in ultra- taking advantage of network slicing and connectivity.

Offload 4G to 5G FWA Coverage extension Slicing

Lower $/GB for 5G FWA FDD and TDD CA increases mid-band Monetize with SLAs for FWA
Easy to migrate (data-only, stationary) coverage and system capacity Tailored offerings for new business

Efficiency Performance Differentiation

Spectrum management Speed and Capacity Intelligent traffic management

Maximize utilization of NR spectrum Capacity and speeds enhancements Differentiated mobility and CA
Instant access to NR and lower latency Optimized for service performance behavior for different user groups
5 Ericsson | Fixed Wireless Access Insights

Cloud-native dual-mode
Core supporting FWA:
Optimized TCO and rich
service toolbox
The Core network for Fixed Wireless Access is built on two
key pillars that together form a comprehensive foundation
for deploying and managing FWA services effectively,
ensuring cost efficiency and the ability to offer innovative,
revenue-generating services.

• Core network for eMBB, FWA and IoT • E2E QoS, Bandwidth control
and flexible charging
• Optimized FWA performance while
also service for MBB • Premium connectivity and Slicing
• Built versatile to run in centralized, • Flexible IP allocation schemes
distributed, Edge and Cloud scenarios (dynamic, static and semi static)
One network Monetization
• Energy efficiency and automation • Location awareness and CPE
optimized for mobility restrictions powered by
TCO and rich service
performance toolbox
4G and 5G support in one Cloud native SW New revenue segments

Dual- mode 5G Core APIs

(EPC+5GC)
Microservices Automation Core exposure

4G 5G
Scalability NW slicing Edge computing

Optimized TCO: This pillar focuses on Rich Service Toolbox: The rich service
reducing both capital and operational toolbox provides operators with a variety
expenses by integrating FWA into a of advanced features to enhance service
unified network infrastructure that also offerings and unlock new revenue streams.
supports other services like enhanced It includes end-to-end Quality of Service
Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Internet of (QoS), bandwidth control, and flexible
Things (IoT), Corporate and others. The charging models, allowing for tailored
use of cloud-native components enables service delivery. Premium connectivity
scalability and flexibility across centralized, options, like network slicing, enable
distributed, edge, and cloud environments, customized solutions for different customer
enabling significant Opex reduction with needs. Additionally, flexible IP allocation
all network functions In-service Software schemes and location awareness features
Upgrade (ISSU) support. Unique payload further enhance service personalization
processing design allows to sustain very and efficiency, helping operators deliver
high throughput together with efficient high value, differentiated services that
energy management on standard meet diverse consumer and enterprise
hardware, allowing operators to efficiently demands.
manage resources and sustain Fixed
Wireless Access traffic growth.
6 Ericsson | Fixed Wireless Access Insights

Next wave of premium FWA

– add mmWave

A profitable Superior peak speeds Global focus

use of mmWave • Downlink up to 10 Gbps
spectrum • Uplink up to >2 Gbps

• Offer wireless fiber services

• Connect more households
Add mmWave All service providers with mmWave
• Support higher data spectrum explore the use as the next
• Typical 400-800 MHz wave beyond mid-band FWA.
consumption of additional spectrum
Start early with trials and pilots to
• Benefit from combined • Enable ~3x capacity identify most suitable deployment
mmWave + mid-band FWA scenarios to add mmWave FWA.
with gigabit speeds

Diverse deployments

Urban regular cell range Rural extended cell range

High band mmWave is a growing spectrum ranges beyond 10 kilometers. early is crucial to identify the most suitable
band utilized in 5G, with 27 countries Verizon pioneered 5G FWA based on deployment scenarios when utilizing
allocating licenses for mmWave spectrum mmWave, which launched in late 2018. mmWave for FWA. Nevertheless, it is
as of July 2024, according to GSA. Since acquiring the mid-band spectrum, undeniable that the next wave of gigabit
According to GSA, the pricing of mmWave Verizon has adopted a mixed approach FWA will be driven by mmWave.
spectrum has been very attractive, with utilizing both mmWave and mid-band for The combined use of mmWave and
$/MHz/pop being 10x lower than the FWA. mid-band is the winning recipe, where
average 5G mid-band spectrum. The large nbn has served rural households and mmWave serves households in good
amount of mmWave spectrum, typically businesses in rural Australia for over a conditions and mid-band households in
400-800MHz per operator, makes it very decade. Currently nbn covers more than less favorable conditions. With the capacity
attractive for applications demanding 770,000 premises with mid-band FWA offload enabled by mmWave, the mid-
high speeds and capacity, such as FWA. across Australia. Late in 2022, the company band can serve even more households at
Combining mid-band TDD with mmWave announced a plan to deploy next-generation more distant, challenging locations. This
can even provide peak speeds of about 5G FWA, including mmWave, utilizing provides an opportunity to offer high-end
10 Gbps and beyond in downlink and extended-range functionality. The additional wireless fiber services even in more rural
more than 2.2 Gbps in uplink. capacity and reach of the upgraded network areas, serve more households per radio site,
→ https://www.t-mobile.com/news/ will provide up to 120,000 homes and and support higher data consumption. This
network/t-mobile-shatters-for-5g-uplink- businesses in nbn’s satellite footprint access unlocks the full business and technology
speed to fixed wireless for the first time. potential of mmWave FWA and is an
The adoption of 5G FWA utilizing Many more service providers globally attractive opportunity for profitable use of
mmWave has been growing in interest. are evaluating and testing mmWave-based mmWave spectrum combined with mid-
The GSA (4G/5G FWA Forum Survey FWA technology to augment capacity and band. A study from Ericsson shows that
2024) forecast shipments of 900 thousand expand services. with the addition of mmWave, all homes
mmWave-capable 5G CPEs in 2024, One of the lessons learned from will encounter higher data rates, with
corresponding to about 6 percent of all 5G commercial deployments is that mmWave selected homes experiencing Gigabit speeds.
CPE shipments. is unique in its ability to provide significant Simultaneously, the total capacity will
Although mmWave FWA has yet to be capacity and speed under the right increase threefold.
mainstream, it is already used in diverse circumstances. However, the propagation → https://www.ericsson.com/en/reports-
commercial deployments, from urban areas characteristics of the mmWave spectrum and-papers/ericsson-technology-review/
with regular cell ranges of a few hundred are different, and mastering its full capacity articles/closing-the-digital-divide-with-
meters to rural areas with extended cell requires time. Initiating trials and pilots mmwave-extended-range-for-fwa
7 Ericsson | Fixed Wireless Access Insights

nbn Fixed Wireless

performance boosted
by mmWave
• FWA covering 790k regional and rural homes and
businesses, and actively serving 400k premises
Challenging
• Committed Typical Wholesale Busy Period of at least
environment 50Mbps DL with high average usage >400 GB per month

• Migration and capacity offload from LTE to 5G using

mid-band and mmWave
Technological • mmWave expands range to 11 km and beyond
advancements • High performance with technician-installed CPEs
• Al and automation for qualification and experience
management

• Performance improvement with average busy hour DL

speeds increased from <50 Mbps to over 100 Mbps
(based on speed tests conducted on a sample of nbn
Performance Fixed Wireless Plus services during December 2024.)
• Expanding coverage footprint to 790,000 premises,
boost
including 120,000 premises previously served by
geostationary satellites
• New Superfast FWA offer with 400 Mbps peak DL speeds
launched in 2024

NBN Co owns and operates Australia's In 2024, nbn completed a program to plan (Fixed Wireless Plus) from a potential
national broadband network for the supply upgrade the capacity (+80,000 cells), maximum speed of up to 75/10 Mbps to a
of wholesale fixed broadband services. reach (from 670,000 to 790,000 premises potential maximum of up to 100/20 Mbps
Its purpose is to lift the digital capability covered) and speed (up to 400 Mbps) and introducing two new speed tiers with
of Australia, and it does so with an optimal of its Fixed Wireless Access network by the following peak speeds: Fixed Wireless
mix of technologies. As a wholesaler, nbn significantly increasing the LTE capacity Home Fast (200–250/8–20 Mbps) and
relies on Retail Service Providers (RSPs) as well as adding 5G in both mid-band Fixed Wireless Superfast (400/10–40
to deliver products and services to end (2.3 GHz and 3.4 GHz) and high-band Mbps). Initial results show significantly
customers, primarily through a layer 2 millimeter wave (28 GHz). As part of this increased average downlink speeds at the
ethernet product using nbn fixed line, modernization, nbn also brought in new busy hour: Fixed Wireless Plus subscribers
fixed wireless, and satellite technologies. technological advancements such as a achieving from 50Mbps (Dec 2023) to 80
Services are sold with a strict service level millimeter wave extended range with a Mbps (May 2024). Fixed Wireless Home
agreement (SLA). The average residential reach of up to 6.9 kilometers (planned Fast subscribers achieving 168 Mbps
usage is about 450 GB/month. Australia to be increased to 11 kilometers during (Dec 2024) and Fixed Wireless Home
is one of the largest continents in the 2025) and a new generation of outdoor Superfast subscribers achieving 312
world with huge variations in population CPEs. Moreover, nbn has implemented Mbps (Dec 2024). The FWA coverage
density. nbn uses Fixed Wireless Access automated and Al-power features to has increased from 670,000 to 790,000
services to deliver high-speed broadband improve service qualification as well as premises, enabling nbn to cover
to customers in parts of regional, rural and customer experience management tools. approximately 120,000 premises currently
remote Australia, covering about 790,000 With this upgrade, nbn has been able to served by satellite technology.
premises and serving some 400,000 active update its Fixed Wireless Access product
premises, primarily based on 4G FWA. offering: boosting the speed of its highest
*Note that speeds referred to are nbn’s wholesale speeds.
8 Ericsson | Fixed Wireless Access Insights

Scale of open 3GPP

ecosystem delivers FWA
with lowest TCO and
future-proof evolution
To be competitive, FWA operators need to be able to offer data at
the lowest possible Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) with a future-
proof evolution of the network and the entire broad ecosystem.
3GPP offers all this through three main aspects:

Network Platform 3GPP offers a network platform where mobile broadband (MBB) is the anchor
use case and has funded large parts of the site infrastructure and spectrum costs.
• MBB anchor use case, main Most incumbent 3GPP operators are in an advantageous starting position since
funding for spectrum and site/ they can reuse the entire mobile network and much of its business processes
coverage to offer multiple services, including MBB, FWA, and IoT. The spectrum can
• Multi-service: MBB, FWA and IoT be shared, and network slicing provides a way to manage both network and
spectrum across multiple services while meeting or exceeding the emerging
• Spectrum shared with slicing requirements of a wide range of use cases (including 5G FWA).

Device ecosystem The 3GPP CPE ecosystem benefits from the sizeable innovative smartphone and
device chipset market. Costs are driven down by economies of scale and LTE and
• Affordable devices leveraging 5G FWA CPE availability with attractive form factors and functionality evolution.
3GPP chipset ecosystem There are nearly 100 different FWA CPE vendors, with over 1,200 LTE CPEs and
• Nearly 100 CPE device vendors over 400 5G CPEs (GSA, November 2024).

• Broad device ecosystem with

nearly 100 CPE device vendors

Innovation ecosystem A further advantage of 3GPP is that it is a future-proof ecosystem that ensures
innovation combined with scale and cost-efficiency. 3GPP also offers an open
• Open technology and multivendor technology platform with multiple vendors without lock-in. Furthermore, it
• Future proof technologies provides global licensed spectrum allocations, further driving economies of scale
including evolution to 6G for network equipment and the entire FWA CPE ecosystem, and corresponding
FWA services, coupled with a broad ecosystem that offers economies of scale
• Global spectrum allocation and no-vendor lock-in.

In summary, 3GPP mobile and converged operators are in an excellent

position to address the FWA market. They will be able to offer services with
the lowest possible TCO and provide a future-proof evolution of the network
and corresponding FWA services, coupled with a broad ecosystem that offers
economies of scale and no-vendor lock-in.
 Read all eight insights
on capturing the value
of 5G FWA

ericsson.com/fwa-insights

Ericsson The content of this document is subject to revision without © Ericsson 2025
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