Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) continues to gain momentum worldwide, driven by easy deployment and the expanding reach of 4G LTE and 5G Sub-6GHz networks, according to a new report from Dell’Oro Group.
Analysis indicates total FWA revenues, covering RAN equipment, residential CPE, and enterprise routers and gateways, are on track to grow around 10 percent in 2025 as mobile operators aggressively expand FWA services to attract customers from traditional DSL and cable broadband.
The United States remains the most advanced FWA market, where mobile operators are extending coverage across existing and new regions, with FWA service revenue contributing positively to overall earnings.
Operators in India, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East are also rapidly scaling up FWA deployments, partly in response to growing competition from low earth orbit satellite broadband providers such as Starlink, Amazon, and OneWeb.
Dell’Oro Group forecasts steady growth in global FWA subscriptions across residential, small and medium businesses, and large enterprises, with total connections expected to exceed 191 million by 2029. The report also highlights that 5G Sub-6GHz and mmWave devices will dominate the global residential customer premises equipment market, reinforcing FWA’s role as a key alternative broadband technology.
Global 5G-Driven FWA Expansion
Telecom operators are investing in 5G infrastructure that supports FWA services. 5G connections are expected to reach around 2.9 billion by the end of 2025, with FWA becoming a key use case for enhanced broadband access and monetization. More than half of global service providers offer 5G-enabled FWA with speed-based tariff plans, boosting revenue opportunities and broadband offerings, according to the June 2025 Ericsson Mobility Report. FWA is projected to account for more than 35 percent of new fixed broadband connections, with an expected increase to 350 million by the end of 2030.
Growing 5G FWA Adoption and CPE Shipments
Shipments of 5G-enabled FWA customer premises equipment (CPE) are projected to grow significantly in 2025, with vendors expecting a 26 percent increase in units. For the first time, 5G FWA devices will account for the majority of FWA CPE shipments in several regions including North America, India, China, and Asia-Pacific, reflecting operators’ push to scale high-speed fixed wireless services, according to GSA report.
Regional Deployment Highlights
In North America and Europe, FWA adoption continues to grow as operators leverage mid-band and sub-6 GHz 5G spectrum to compete with traditional broadband, particularly in markets where fiber build-outs are slower. OECD data shows strong year-on-year growth in FWA connections in countries such as the United States, Hungary and the UK.
In the Middle East and North Africa, 5G-enabled FWA is part of broader national digital strategies, helping meet smart city and broadband expansion goals. Service providers in the Gulf states are increasingly adopting FWA to deliver high-speed connectivity where fiber is less feasible.
In sub-Saharan Africa, FWA is gaining traction as operators diversify offerings and extend broadband access to underserved communities, supported by growing mobile data demand and affordable device access.
Market research forecasts strong growth in FWA adoption and revenue through 2025 and beyond, driven by broadband demand in underserved and rural areas, cost-effective 5G technology deployments, and ongoing operator investments. This expansion is part of a broader trend where mobile operators enhance fixed broadband services through FWA to capture subscribers dissatisfied with DSL or cable options.
SHAFANA FAZAL
