U.S. and Indian Telecom Operators Accelerate FWA Deployment, Global Market to Reach US$72 Billion in 2025, Says TrendForce

TrendForce’s latest report, “Breakthrough Opportunities in the 5G Era: Global Telecom FWA Deployment and Business Prospects for Taiwanese Manufacturers,” shows the global fixed wireless access (FWA) market is projected to grow 33% YoY, reaching US$72 billion in 2025.

This growth is fueled by U.S. telecom operators such as T-Mobile and Verizon, which are shifting their focus toward low-cost FWA deployment, alongside Indian operators Jio Reliance and Bharti Airtel, who are actively expanding 5G FWA base stations in rural areas.

Traditionally, deploying 5G New Radio base stations required significant investment in equipment and licensing fees. Meanwhile, 5G FWA base stations offer a more cost-effective solution, as they do not require licensed spectrum while still providing comparable service quality. This lower cost per user (ARPU advantage) has increased telecom operators’ willingness to deploy FWA in low-density areas.

In recent years, U.S. telecom operators have shifted from deploying fiber and FWA simultaneously to focusing on 5G FWA deployment. T-Mobile, which holds 35% of sub-6 GHz licensed spectrum in the U.S., is leveraging this frequency to expand its FWA services beyond traditional markets into consumer electronics.

The company is also introducing higher-end FWA solutions, such as its in-house developed gateway for faster, more secure home internet, as well as comprehensive solutions integrating high-speed connectivity and smart home devices. Verizon has also adjusted its FWA strategy, now targeting rural and sparsely populated areas for further expansion.

India has become another major driver of global FWA adoption. Jio Reliance and Bharti Airtel have identified 5G FWA base station as a cheaper alternative to traditional non-standalone (NSA) and standalone (SA) 5G base stations. As a result, both companies are prioritizing FWA deployment in rural and remote areas, while maintaining traditional 5G base stations in high-density urban regions.

Taiwanese network equipment vendors boost FWA CPE shipments

TrendForce notes that the expansion of 5G FWA services by leading telecom operators is expected to revitalize stagnant 5G New Radio adoption rates. Taiwanese companies are playing a key role in the FWA supply chain, particularly in chipsets, RF components, and antennas, as well as production of customer-premises equipment (CPE).

Major Taiwanese network equipment vendors—WNC, Sercomm, Arcadyan, Zyxel, and Alpha Networks—are actively producing FWA CPE to meet growing demand. Sercomm, which primarily supplies U.S. telecom operators, is expected to see continued growth in CPE shipments in early 2025, as U.S. carriers complete their 5G FWA CPE inventory reduction and Indian telecoms expand FWA services. 

Zyxel, which began supplying European and Asian telecom operators in 2022 to diversify risk, is now shifting its focus to India, as European FWA expansion slows. Arcadyan, which supplies U.S. telecom operators directly, is expected to benefit from the completion of inventory reductions, driving CPE shipment growth in 2025.

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