
Fixed Wireless Access in Cable Operator Context
By Frank Rayal (Xona Partners), Sudheer Dharanikota
October 12, 2020
What is the Problem?
There is a great bit of hype of next generation wireless technologies taking a huge chunk of wireline customer base. Is this true? What are the limitations of each category of technology? Where are they applicable?
Key Takeaways
We make the following recommendations to the operators:
- Understand the e2e service models
- FTTH offers ~100x better throughput
- Target FWA where it makes sense
Executive Summary
2020 has been a landmark year for humans. Never before has the human race been equipped with the technical capability to be able to handle dissecting data as well as innovation in finding cures and prevention to something like the coronavirus strains that now threaten the fabric of how we behave as a society. We are all locked in our homes and trusted areas of interaction with our fellow humans. No sector of humanity has been more affected by the pandemic than the elderly population. The virus itself affects those with compromised or weaker immune systems often. This not only brings our elderly population into the most vulnerable group but also now making elderly care homes possibly the most likely place to catch and spread a virus and contagion.
Even before our pandemic times, it was clear that Aging in Place (AIP) was a key area for new opportunities for Cable Operators to tap into. It is not only a huge improvement change for elderly lives but also a new source of high margin revenue for the Cable Operators. Lockdown at home has given everyone a taste of what it is like spending more time in your home and in particular the role of connectivity in our digital work and social lives. One could almost claim that the foundation pillar of AIP is connectivity. Thus, making it obvious that the Service Provider is in a unique position to open up the floodgates on a new de facto model for living out your life in your own home.
Key Words: Millimeter Wave, Fixed Wireless Access, FTTH, TCO, Greenfield