Page 4 - SAMENA ELITE - June-September 2025

EDITORIAL
4 JUN-SEP 2025

Accelerating FWA:

Moving toward

Faster, Fairer

Digital Future

Bocar A. BA
Chief Executive Officer
& Board Member
SAMENA Telecommunications
Council

Globally, the conversation around broadband systems. Introducing streamlined permitting,
access is shifting. No longer framed only in terms of predictable timelines, and harmonized rules across
fiber deployment, the discussion today increasingly agencies can reduce deployment friction. A single-
recognizes Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) as a critical window approach to approvals would go a long
enabler of inclusive digital growth. What was once way in helping operators build out coverage faster,
seen as an interim or niche solution is now emerging especially in rural and peri-urban settings where the
as a practical, scalable technology that can extend need is greatest.
high-speed connectivity quickly and efficiently,
particularly in areas where traditional infrastructure At the same time, FWA should not be seen in isolation
remains costly or slow to build. While FWA has already from other technologies. Where fibre is already in
shown encouraging momentum in the Middle East place or being expanded, FWA can complement
and surrounding regions, the opportunity to scale it it—offering last-mile solutions that make the most
further—and to do so equitably—now rests on how of existing investments. Regulatory frameworks that
governments and regulators act. encourage infrastructure sharing, whether through
passive assets like towers or through open access
One of the most immediate ways to accelerate to backhaul, will help operators build resilient and
FWA adoption is through spectrum policy that is cost-effective hybrid networks that are adaptable to
responsive to real deployment needs. Access to mid- local conditions. This kind of policy support enables
band frequencies, offered at affordable rates and not only technical efficiency but also competitive
with sufficient flexibility, remains essential. As demand dynamism, particularly in markets where reaching the
rises, shared and lightly licensed spectrum models final user remains economically challenging.
can further unlock value, especially in underserved
or sparsely populated areas where commercial Investment in FWA can also be catalyzed through
incentives are limited. By treating spectrum not just targeted public support. In areas where market
as a revenue-generating asset but as a public-good returns are limited, governments can help de-risk
enabler of digital services, governments can widen deployment by providing direct incentives, viability
the foundation on which FWA networks are built. gap funding, or service commitments for anchor
clients such as schools, health centers, or local
Deployment processes themselves must also be administrative offices. These anchor clients improve
modernized to match the urgency of connectivity the commercial case for broader FWA rollout, and
goals. Many operators still face delays due to their connectivity contributes directly to development
fragmented or outdated infrastructure approval outcomes. Additionally, public-private partnerships

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