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Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) in the United States: A Telecom Lawyer and Wireless Engineer's Perspective

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Category: Wireless Telecom Law

Current State of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is a critical component of the United States' telecommunications landscape, offering high-speed internet to both urban and rural areas without the need for traditional wired infrastructure. FWA leverages radio frequencies to provide broadband services, making it a flexible and often more cost-effective solution for expanding internet access. The FCC and NTIA's initiatives are pivotal in driving the expansion of FWA, particularly in unserved and underserved areas.

 

FCC Initiatives

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been actively promoting FWA through several key programs:

  1. Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF): This program allocates funding to service providers to expand broadband networks in underserved rural areas. FWA has been a beneficiary of these funds, as it offers a viable solution for rapid deployment.
  2. 5G Fund for Rural America: Focused on bringing 5G technology, including FWA, to rural regions, this initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by supporting infrastructure development. A significant portion of the funds were set aside to support precision agriculture needs.
  3. Spectrum Auctions: The FCC regularly conducts spectrum auctions, releasing bands suitable for FWA, such as the 3.5 GHz CBRS band and the 24 GHz and 28 GHz mmWave bands, to promote competitive deployment and innovation in wireless services.
  4. Connect America Fund (CAF): A program under the universal service high-cost programs, it provides funding to expand broadband services in rural and high-cost areas. CAF Phase II specifically included support for FWA providers as part of its competitive bidding process to ensure cost-effective deployment.

  5. Broadband Data Collection Initiative: The FCC provides the National Broadband Map with information about the internet services available at individual locations across the country. This helps to identify areas where broadband, including FWA, is lacking and target funding.

 

NTIA Efforts

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) also plays a significant role in FWA development:

  1. Broadband Infrastructure Program (BIP): It is a $288M program that offers funds as grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure in areas lacking access, especially rural areas. It is competitively offered to partnerships between states (or any political sub-division of a state) and providers of FWA.
  2. National Broadband Availability Map (NBAM): This tool helps identify areas lacking sufficient broadband access, guiding investments and policy decisions to target regions where FWA can make a substantial impact.
  3. Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD): Provides funds to facilitate high speed internet access development across all jurisdictions in the USA. It targets both unserved and underserved areas while including a broader focus on affordability and digital inclusion.
  4. Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program: Meant to expand broadband access and adoption on tribal lands. This program is part of a broader effort to bridge the digital divide and ensure that Native American communities have reliable and affordable internet access.
  5. Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program: Provides funding for the expansion and extension of middle mile infrastructure across U.S. states and territories. In total, the program allocated $980 million to fund projects for the construction, improvement, or acquisition of middle mile infrastructure.

  6. Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program: It is $285M fund aimed at expanding broadband access, connectivity, and digital inclusion in minority communities. It addresses the lack of Internet access, connectivity, adoption, and equity at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs).

 

Licensing for Licensed FWA

Successfully navigating the licensing process requires a thorough understanding of regulatory frameworks and a strategic approach to spectrum management. Obtaining licenses for operating FWA in licensed spectrum bands involves several steps:

  1. Spectrum Auctions: Interested service providers must participate in FCC spectrum auctions to acquire licenses for specific frequency bands. The process includes pre-auction preparations, bidding, and post-auction licensing procedures.
  2. Regulatory Compliance: Licensees must comply with FCC regulations, which include technical standards, operational requirements, and reporting obligations. Ensuring adherence to these rules is crucial for maintaining the license and avoiding penalties.
  3. Coordination and Interference Management: Licensed FWA operators must coordinate with other spectrum users to manage interference and optimize spectrum utilization. This often involves working with spectrum management entities and engaging in collaborative efforts with other stakeholders.

 

 

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