WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 5G fixed wireless
access (FWA) services could serve 8.4 million rural
households—nearly half the rural homes in the U.S.—with a
"future-proof", rapidly deployable, and cost-effective high-speed
broadband option, according to a new Accenture (NYSE: ACN) study
commissioned by CTIA, the wireless industry association.
"These findings underscore the value of U.S. infrastructure
policy embracing both wired and 5G fixed wireless home broadband
solutions to help connect the unconnected as fast as possible,
particularly in more rural areas," CTIA President and CEO
Meredith Attwell Baker said. "As
federal and state policymakers implement the historic broadband
infrastructure funding programs, 5G to the home services represent
a dynamic and cost-effective high-speed connectivity option."
The report, titled 5G Fixed Wireless Broadband: Helping Close
the Digital Divide in Rural America, discusses how 5G FWA
services can quickly and cost-effectively bring high-speed
broadband to 8.4 million households in rural parts of the country.
With the federal government and states poised to implement
$65 billion in broadband
infrastructure programs geared toward bridging the digital divide,
policymakers should recognize the capabilities of 5G FWA
connectivity.
"5G has transformed FWA into a truly viable home broadband
option," said Tejas Rao, a managing
director in Accenture Cloud First's wireless services practice.
"Our analysis shows that 5G FWA can offer rural Americans the
broadband speeds and capacity to meet the home internet demands of
millions of these unserved and underserved consumers."
By using wireless links between fixed points — a nearby tower
and an antenna on a consumers' residence — 5G FWA provides high
bandwidth broadband connections wirelessly instead of through a
wired cable connection.
"With lower costs-to-serve and streamlined deployment timelines,
5G-powered FWA can help solve the 'last-mile' challenges often
encountered in bringing home broadband services to many areas of
the U.S.," added Peters Suh, Accenture's North America
Communications & Media lead.
The report also discusses how 5G FWA offers benefits for both
mobile rural connectivity and home broadband services. Accenture
also identifies additional licensed spectrum, particularly in the
mid-band range, along with stable, nationwide regulatory frameworks
that incentivize the efficient buildout of network infrastructure,
as key to bringing 5G FWA to even more U.S. consumers in the
future.
A copy of the report can be downloaded here.
About the Report Methodology:
Increased service was
determined based on the potential economic feasibility of market
entry. Estimates for market size, potential operating costs, and
the capital investment to deploy were developed for target rural
markets. "Rural", for the purposes of this analysis, were defined
as communities within Rural-Urban Commuting Areas (RUCA), codes
4-10.
About Accenture
Accenture is a global professional
services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud and
security. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills
across more than 40 industries, we offer Strategy and Consulting,
Interactive, Technology and Operations services—all powered by the
world's largest network of Advanced Technology and Intelligent
Operations centers. Our 624,000 people deliver on the promise of
technology and human ingenuity every day, serving clients in more
than 120 countries. We embrace the power of change to create value
and shared success for our clients, people, shareholders, partners
and communities. Visit us at www.accenture.com.
About CTIA
CTIA® (www.ctia.org) represents the U.S.
wireless communications industry and the companies throughout the
mobile ecosystem that enable Americans to lead a
21st century connected life. The association's
members include wireless carriers, device manufacturers, suppliers
as well as apps and content companies. CTIA vigorously advocates at
all levels of government for policies that foster continued
wireless innovation and investment. The association also
coordinates the industry's voluntary best practices, hosts
educational events that promote the wireless industry and
co-produces the industry's leading wireless tradeshow. CTIA was
founded in 1984 and is based in Washington, D.C.
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SOURCE CTIA