Sunny Forecast for 5G Fixed Wireless Broadband Access in the U.S.

According to a November 10 report by ABI Research, "in 2026, the FWA [Fixed Wireless Access] market will exceed 180 million subscriptions and generate US$70 billion in revenue." It forecasts quick 5G FWA rollouts in North America because it can be deployed faster to subscribers and for less capital expenditures compared to fiber-to-the-home. Thus: "In 2026, North American and Europe combined will represent nearly 60% of global 5G FWA subscriptions." While these figures aren't specific to the United States, one ought to expect this country to be the leader in 5G FWA deployment. And the press release for ABI's report acknowledges that Verizon is an early adopter of 5G FWA using mmWave band spectrum, with U.S. Cellular also planning to deploy in the mmWave band. 

The future of 5G FWA looks bright in the U.S. with T-Mobile and AT&T both making offerings available. And an October 26 blog post by Free State Foundation Legal Fellow Andrew Magloughlin highlighted the Verizon-Amazon deal for rural backhaul that will deliver Verizon's fixed wireless service. In the months ahead, expect FSF scholars to have more to say on 5G FWA and its implications for competition policy. 

FCC Proposal on 70/80/90 GHz Bands Would Boost 5G Services

At its June 9 public meeting, the FCC unanimously approved a notice of proposed rule making that would make use of 70/80/90 GHz bands for wireless backhaul for 5G and for deployment of broadband services to aircraft and ships. These millimeter bands have gone largely unused or underused. The Commission’s proposal would make changes to the agency’s antenna rules to allow for smaller antennas in the 70/80/90 GHz bands. As the Commission’s announcement of the approval vote states: “This could lower costs, facilitate network densification, and help support the provision of backhaul for emerging 5G services.” Additionally, the proposal includes seeks comment on ways to allow use of those same bands for broadband services on aircraft in flight and ships at sea.

The 70/80/GHz band proposal is a welcome part of the FCC’s 5G Fast Plan. The Commission should be applauded for unanimously launching this commonsense undertaking to put more spectrum into use for 5G and other advanced services.

U.S. Delegation Members Highlight U.S. Gains for 5G at International Conference

On January 7, 2020, the Federalist Society's Practice Group Podcast featured a teleforum discussion on "The Race to 5G and the World Radio Conference." The panel included Ambassador Grace Koh, who led the U.S. delegation to WRC-19, as well as the FCC's International Bureau Chief Thomas Sullivan. WRC-19 was held in Egypt and concluded its work in November 2019. The panelists offered interesting analysis of what was accomplished at WRC-19 regarding mobile wireless services, particularly regarding the use of mmWave spectrum for 5G services. Panel discussion also touched on U.S. cooperative efforts with regional partner nations, the 24 GHz band, and the postures of China and Russia at WRC-19. The podcast's page can be found here.

Free State Foundation scholars, including FSF President Randolph May, Visiting Senior Fellow Gregory Vogt, and myself have addressed 5G in a number of writings. Expect more from FSF scholars on 5G in 2020, including at the Free State Foundation's Twelfth Annual Telecom Policy Conference. This year's conference, Broadband Beyond 2020: Competition, Freedom, and Privacy, will be held at the National Press Club in Washington, DC on March 10. Register for the conference here.

My June 2019 blog post, "U.S. Policymaker Should Stick to Their 24 GHz Spectrum Band Plan," addressed disagreement among certain federal agencies regarding the use of that recently-auctioned spectrum. Importantly, the panelists on the Federalist Society's January 7 teleforum acknowledged that the U.S. delegation had achieved a united front on the 24 GHz band when it arrived in Egypt for the WRC-19.