Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know
- Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is a reliable, high-speed solution that rivals fibre in performance but offers quicker deployment and greater resilience to infrastructure challenges.
- LTE provides mobile flexibility but is often limited by network congestion, higher latency, and expensive data costs, making it less ideal for businesses with significant connectivity needs.
- Fixed Wireless is highly scalable, making it suitable for growing businesses, while LTE is better suited for remote workers or short-term, mobile connectivity.
- FWA is a cost-effective option, offering uncapped packages and consistent performance, even during peak usage hours or power outages.
- For businesses in rural or semi-urban areas, Fixed Wireless bridges the connectivity gap, outperforming LTE and fibre in accessibility and dependability.
- FWA’s resilience to load shedding and infrastructure issues makes it a future-proof choice for South African businesses seeking uninterrupted operations.
Reliable internet connectivity is the foundation of modern business operations. From cloud computing to seamless customer interactions, businesses rely heavily on dependable internet solutions to remain competitive. While fibre has long been regarded as the gold standard for high-speed connectivity, it’s not always accessible or practical in all areas.
For businesses that need alternatives to fibre, Fixed Wireless and LTE have emerged as leading contenders. Both provide unique advantages and cater to different connectivity needs, but how do they compare when put head-to-head?
This article dives into the Fixed Wireless vs LTE debate, exploring their key differences, strengths, and limitations. We’ll also touch on how they compare to fibre to give you the full picture when deciding which solution best meets your business needs.
What is Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)?
Fixed Wireless Access is a broadband solution that uses radio signals to transmit internet from a base station to an antenna installed at the customer’s premises. Unlike fibre, which requires extensive cabling, Fixed Wireless eliminates the need for physical infrastructure beyond the base station and receiver.
This technology is often deployed by Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) in areas where fibre rollout is limited, offering a fast and cost-effective solution for businesses.
What is LTE?
LTE (Long-Term Evolution) is a mobile broadband technology that delivers internet through cellular networks. It’s commonly used by businesses and individuals as a convenient, wireless connectivity option. LTE relies on mobile towers to provide connectivity, and its performance can vary based on network congestion, distance from the tower, and environmental conditions.
Fixed Wireless vs LTE: Key Comparisons
Below is an in-depth comparison of Fixed Wireless vs LTE, highlighting their performance across several critical factors:
1. Deployment and Accessibility
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA):
FWA is quick to deploy, often within a matter of days. Businesses need only a line-of-sight connection between the provider’s base station and their premises, making it a highly accessible option in both urban and rural areas. This is especially advantageous in regions where fibre installations are delayed or impractical.
LTE:
LTE, on the other hand, requires no physical installation. Businesses can access LTE connectivity almost instantly by inserting a SIM card into a compatible device. However, LTE’s effectiveness depends on proximity to mobile towers and the level of network congestion in the area.
2. Speed and Performance
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA):
In terms of speed, Fixed Wireless is on par with fibre, with providers offering speeds of up to 1Gbps or more. Furthermore, Fixed Wireless delivers consistent performance, even during peak hours, as it is less affected by user congestion.
LTE:
While LTE can deliver reasonable speeds (typically 10 to 100Mbps), performance varies significantly depending on network traffic. During peak times, LTE networks are often congested, which can lead to slower speeds and interruptions.
3. Reliability and Uptime
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA):
Reliability is where Fixed Wireless truly stands out. With redundancy built into their networks, Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) ensure multiple routes to core networks and undersea cables, resulting in 99.99% uptime. Unlike fibre, Fixed Wireless is not vulnerable to cable damage, and it operates independently of the national electricity grid, often powered by solar or batteries.
LTE:
LTE networks are more susceptible to downtime due to load shedding and tower outages. Towers often lack sufficient backup power, leading to interruptions during power failures. Additionally, shared tower usage between fixed and mobile users can further affect reliability.
4. Latency
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA):
Fixed Wireless offers low latency, making it suitable for applications that require real-time communication, such as video conferencing, VoIP calls, and online gaming.
LTE:
LTE connections generally suffer from higher latency due to the routing process through mobile towers, which can impact performance for latency-sensitive applications.
5. Cost and Scalability
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA):
Fixed Wireless is a cost-effective solution for businesses, particularly for those that require high data volumes. Many WISPs offer uncapped packages at competitive rates, making it a financially viable option for SMEs and enterprises. Additionally, Fixed Wireless is highly scalable, with upgrades often handled remotely without the need for additional physical infrastructure.
LTE:
While LTE is convenient, its data costs are significantly higher, especially for prepaid users or businesses with heavy data demands. LTE’s scalability is also limited by the capacity of mobile towers, which can become overwhelmed in high-density areas.
6. Power Resilience
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA):
One of the standout features of Fixed Wireless is its resilience to power outages. Many WISPs use solar-powered base stations and battery backups to ensure uninterrupted service during load shedding.
LTE:
LTE networks are heavily reliant on grid power to keep mobile towers operational. Load shedding and power interruptions often lead to tower outages, reducing overall reliability.
How Does Fibre Compare?
While Fixed Wireless and LTE offer strong alternatives, fibre remains the benchmark for speed and stability. Fibre delivers ultra-fast speeds and ultra-low latency, making it the ideal choice for enterprises with high bandwidth requirements. However, fibre’s high installation costs and the lengthy rollout process make it inaccessible to many businesses, especially those in rural or semi-urban areas.
Fixed Wireless vs LTE: Which is Right for Your Business?
Both Fixed Wireless and LTE have their place in the connectivity landscape, but their suitability depends on your business’s specific needs:
Choose Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) if:
- You need high-speed, low-latency internet for critical business operations.
- Your business is located in a rural or semi-urban area without fibre access.
- You require a cost-effective, scalable solution for large data volumes.
- You want a backup connection to ensure business continuity during outages.
Choose LTE if:
- Your business requires mobile connectivity for remote or on-the-go operations.
- You need a quick, short-term internet solution.
- Your data usage is relatively low, and you’re in an area with strong mobile coverage.
Fixed Wireless vs LTE – The Clear Winner for Businesses
When comparing Fixed Wireless vs LTE, it’s clear that Fixed Wireless Access offers more advantages for businesses seeking reliable, high-speed, and scalable internet solutions. Its ability to deliver fibre-like performance, coupled with resilience to power outages and affordability, makes it the superior choice for most enterprises.
LTE, while convenient and mobile, is better suited for remote workers and mobile users rather than as a primary connectivity solution for businesses. Its higher data costs and susceptibility to congestion make it less practical for organisations with significant connectivity needs.
As South Africa continues to navigate connectivity challenges, Fixed Wireless stands out as a transformative solution capable of bridging the gaps left by fibre and mobile networks. For businesses looking to future-proof their connectivity, the answer is clear: Fixed Wireless is the way forward.
