Understanding US consumer sentiment related to Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)

In the Ericsson ConsumerLab & IndustryLab study, “Capturing the 5G FWA opportunity: A household view,” we surveyed 2,000 household representatives across the nation to examine how various stages of home broadband internet development in the US market influence consumer choices and perceptions. We discovered the following key trends and insights.

Key trend #1: US households are primed to make 5G FWA a preferred type of connectivity

From an FWA perspective, understanding the overall broadband internet satisfaction levels of households provides opportunities to understand how and where to best position 5G FWA offerings to capture potential growth.

Fast facts:

• 76% of US households have fixed broadband today

• 66% report being satisfied with their current home connectivity

• 47% report that mobile connectivity (via FWA, smartphone, mobile hotspot or similar) is the most used connectivity type at home

Key trend #2: 5G FWA and Fiber compete on a level playing field

US households believe 5G FWA achieves fiber-level performance while delivering an equitable service experience to Fiber. They also rated 5G FWA and Fiber nearly equally when it comes to most other criteria. Notably, 4G FWA was rated below both Fiber and 5G FWA in nearly all categories, highlighting the importance of 5G capabilities and speed, no matter how it’s delivered.

Fast facts:

• 118 – Customer loyalty index for FWA, compared to 100 for Fiber

• 105 – Cost level index for 5G FWA, compared to 100 for Fiber

• 97.5 – Overall network satisfaction index compared to Fiber (100) and Cable (87)

Key trend #3: There is a need for speed, but also availability and convenience

Unsurprisingly, better speed (upload and download) stands out as the biggest driver for US—and global—users. Better coverage or signal strength in certain areas of the house was a close second. Beyond speeds and coverage, selection of FWA depended on availability—putting a spotlight on the digital divide.

Fast facts:

• Ease of installation, flexible contracts and customizable packages are top convenience factors of FWA in many households

• 1 in 2 households are not even aware of FWA as a technology

• 1 in 5 who know about FWA are not aware of a provider offering it

The best way forward

There is no one guaranteed way to capture the growth potential as indicated by the interest from households. Rather, it should be a localized approach. Download the report to learn actionable steps communications service providers can take to maximize opportunities in 5G FWA.

Get the report at t.eric.sn/3wZ8PUh