Page 20 - SAMENA ELITE - June-September 2025
P. 20
ARTICLE
20 JUN-SEP 2025
FWA:
Overcoming
Technical
Limitations in
Izhar Ahmad Social Urgency
Director - Industry Affairs &
Communication
SAMENA Telecommunications Council
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) has or second-best, or that it may a connection, but when everyone logs
quickly moved from the edge of the compromise long-term investment on at the same time, the speed drops
broadband discussion to its core. It in fiber or fixed networks, given the or the service stalls. These kinds of
was once treated as a niche solu- general perception that it may be problems reduce confidence in the
tion, mostly for areas where no other a convenience-driven technology technology not because of technol-
connectivity option was available. rather than a long-term quality ogy itself, but because performance
Now, enabled by ongoing advance- solution. The reality, however, is that is impacted by broader network, spa-
ments in 5G networks, AI, and cus- in many parts of the world, FWA is tial, and spectrum factors, not by the
tomer-provided equipment (CPE) the most practical way to connect operator or home equipment.
design, FWA has become central to people. It is fast to roll out, more
how countries and communities are affordable than laying cables, and
approaching broadband access, is flexible enough to cover large In the context of the
especially where fast deployment, or scattered populations. It’s not SA-ME-NA region, or
investment control, and flexible cov- just filling connectivity gaps, but
erage are the main requirements. is defining how access happens, any other region for that
and how it serves as a reliable matter, FWA is not a
In many places around the world, compliment to fiber network compromise on digital
with the SA-ME-NA region being no connectivity. Its value should be ambition. Rather, it is a
exception, fiber remains years away, recognized in those terms, not as a means of delivering on that
whereas FWA is already in the met- compromise, but as a solid, long- ambition more quickly,
aphorical ground, delivering service term option in its own right.
to homes, medical care facilities, more affordably, and more
schools, and the once-unconnected. Where May the Issue Lie inclusively.
However, while FWA continues to Despite its strengths, FWA’s perfor-
expand, its ability to deliver full, stable mance may appear to hit its limits.
service is often limited by the envi- These do not usually come from local Ongoing Pressures – It is Not Just
ronment it operates in. infrastructure or installation issues. about Being Connected
More often, the problems lie in con- Digital demand, including of video-
A First-Choice Option gested traffic, spectrum constraints, content, video-capture, and visual-
There’s still a lingering view that interference issues, and planning intelligence based decision-making
FWA is something temporary gaps. For example, a home may have is growing by the day. Families are
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