Beyond fiber: The hybrid spectrum strategy driving the fixed wireless boom

This talk explores the evolution of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), tracing its historical foundations through to modern-day deployment trends. The FWA sector is experiencing explosive growth, with U.S. subscribers projected to surge from 6.9 million at the end of 2020 to 12.7 million by the end of 2025, driving annual core revenues from $4.4 billion to $10.9 billion. This boom validates FWA as a major force in the broadband market. The presentation focuses on a hybrid architecture strategy, detailing the use of unlicensed spectrum (5 GHz, 6 GHz) – for cost-effective, rapid deployment in broad areas (up to 2 Gbps per link) – and licensed LMDS at 28–31 GHz – which provides premium, predictable, multi-gigabit (1–10 Gbps) capacity for dense urban and enterprise needs. This approach to point to multipoint connectivity, championed by carriers like GeoLinks, maximizes market coverage and delivers fiber-like, interference-free connectivity while maintaining a significantly faster ROI (18–36 months) than fiber. Session Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Understand the evolution and market impact of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA). Evaluate hybrid architecture strategies for FWA deployment. Speakers: Sanyogita Shamsunder CTO, Technology and Operations, GE HealthCare Technology & Innovation Center Ian F. Akyildiz ITU J-FET Editor-in-Chief and Truva Inc., USA​​​ Seizo Onoe Director of the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB), International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Moderators: Bilel Jamoussi Deputy Director of TSB | Chief, Study Groups & Policy Department (SPD), International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Alessia Magliarditi ITU Journal Manager, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) AI for Good is identifying innovative AI applications, building skills and standards, and advancing partnerships to solve global challenges. AI for Good is organized by ITU in partnership with over 50 UN partners and co-convened with the Government of Switzerland. Join the Neural Network! 👉https://aiforgood.itu.int/neural-netw... The AI for Good networking community platform powered by AI. Designed to help users build connections with innovators and experts, link innovative ideas with social impact opportunities, and bring the community together to solve global challenges using AI. 🔴 Watch the latest #AIforGood videos!    / aiforgood   📩 Stay updated and join our weekly AI for Good newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gI2kJ5 🗞Check out the latest AI for Good news: https://aiforgood.itu.int/newsroom/ 📱Explore the AI for Good blog: https://aiforgood.itu.int/ai-for-good... 🌎 Connect on our social media: Website: https://aiforgood.itu.int/ X:   / aiforgood   LinkedIn Page:   / 26511907   LinkedIn Group:   / 8567748   Instagram:   / aiforgood   Facebook:   / aiforgood   Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the panelists and do not reflect the official policy of the ITU.