What are the future trends in wireless internet deployment?
Richard Bernhardt, Vice President – Spectrum and Industry, Wireless Internet Service Provider's Association - Broadband without Boundaries (WISPA) speaks to Network X Americas about the next five years of FWA.
Richard Bernhardt
Vice President – Spectrum and Industry
Wireless Internet Service Provider's Association - Broadband without Boundaries (WISPA)
Q: Tell us about the work that WISPA does in the US
A: The Wireless Internet Service Provider's Association - Broadband without Boundaries (WISPA) is a national trade association serving WISPs, ISPs, and suppliers to the telecoms industry.
For nearly 20 years, WISPA has provided guidance, member services, and events geared towards a better understanding of the market and assisting ISPs in deploying broadband networks and services, especially in rural and suburban areas. WISPA provides policy advancement for the industry and supports the deployment of the right networks to serve the specific needs of each community.
Q: Do you anticipate the market share of fixed wireless access (FWA) will increase in future?
A: FWA has been a major component of WISP network deployment for two decades. The growth in FWA has been consistently substantial year over year. Over the next five-year period, the FWA market is expected to grow even more extensively, since FWA is often the right tool and best option for many broadband deployments both in residential and industrial markets.
Q: What are the main challenges for FWA operators?
A: FWA ISP network operators utilize spectrum and/or a hybrid of fiber and spectrum (and other alternatives) to deliver consistent and reliable services to clients. As with the entire wireless and telecom industry, having sufficient work force, vendor suppliers and materials and access to appropriate spectrum and rights of way (access) are critical to FWA operators.
Q: What are you looking forward to at Light Reading Network X Americas?
A: We look forward to interacting with a large and diverse range of operators and suppliers, which will help us to build our network and get a better understanding of our stakeholders.
Q: What growth areas or challenges in the market are you interested in learning about during Light Reading Network X Americas?
As convergence in the marketplace grows, and demand increases accordingly for wireless and telecom related products and services – we work to continuously learn about the latest uses and technologies that can be deployed, and the new services that can be provided. Light Reading Network X Americas is an excellent venue to learn more about market demands and challenges and ways to address them.
Richard Bernhardt will be speaking at Light Reading Network X Americas. Join us in Texas from May 21-23, 2024, to hear industry insights on wireless technologies, including FWA.