Ookla: Fixed Wireless Becoming Acceptable Substitute for Fiber for Some Consumers
Major providers are using their fixed-wireless access offerings to expand the reach of their networks faster than they can build a wired connection, even in markets where they already have fiber, Mike Dano, lead industry analyst at Ookla, said during a Senza Fili podcast Wednesday. Dano cited as an example AT&T targeting neighborhoods where it doesn’t already have fiber, such as in Houston, one of the country’s fastest growing markets. Dano spoke with analyst Monica Paolini.
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In other cases, carriers are offering FWA as a lower-cost alternative in markets with fiber, Dano said. Some consumers are “really concerned about that monthly expense and maybe fixed wireless is a viable alternative,” he said. In samples taken in September, in Houston, speeds were 100 Mbps for AT&T’s fixed offering, compared to 360 Mbps for fiber, he said. AT&T’s fiber footprint doesn’t reach some Houston suburbs, he noted.
Where you live determines what your best broadband option is, Dano said, noting he lives in the Denver area, where fiber is readily available. For people who live farther from population centers, fixed wireless becomes more viable, and in the most remote areas, satellite broadband does, he said. With newer satellite technologies, people can get a 100 Mbps satellite connection “in the middle of nowhere,” he said. “It’s incredible.”
Speed is only one aspect of network performance, Dano said. Ookla is “putting a lot of effort and time” into “looking at what latency means, how to track it in an effective way, particularly as AI becomes more prevalent … and capable,” he said. “Different network functions become more important based on what you’re doing." Dano said when he goes up a mountain, he becomes more concerned about coverage and whether he can even call for help if he has a problem. “As you move through your day your networking needs change.”