Tag: FWA

J.D. Power Report Reveals 5G FWA Dominates in Customer Satisfaction

Recent findings from the J.D. Power report on residential internet service provider satisfaction have unveiled a significant trend: 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is leading the pack in customer satisfaction among various internet service types. With scores ranging from 775 to 825 on a 1,000-point scale, depending on the provider, 5G FWA outshines other technologies such as fiber, cable broadband, DSL, and fixed wireless based on 4G LTE.

5G FWA: A Game Changer in Customer Satisfaction

The report highlights that 5G FWA users exhibit the highest satisfaction levels across diverse residential landscapes, surpassing even traditional fiber optic services. The key factors driving this high satisfaction include the enhanced performance, reliability, and notably, the affordability of 5G FWA services.

Price and Performance: The Winning Combination

While fiber and cable broadband offer comparable performance and reliability, 5G FWA takes the lead in cost-of-service satisfaction by a significant margin of over 60 points. This affordability factor is becoming increasingly crucial for consumers amidst economic challenges, prompting more users to explore 5G FWA as a viable alternative.

Urban vs. Rural Dynamics

Geographical variations in customer satisfaction are evident, with urban areas boasting the highest satisfaction levels across all technologies. However, it’s noteworthy that 5G FWA consistently performs exceptionally well, even in suburban areas, indicating its versatility and adaptability across different residential settings.

Expanding Access and Choices

FWA based on 5G technology is not just reshaping customer preferences; it’s also expanding opportunities for wireless carriers to enter new territories. This expansion translates into more choices for consumers, driving competition and innovation in the internet service market.

Unlocking 5G FWA with 5Gstore.com

For those interested in experiencing the benefits of 5G FWA, 5Gstore.com offers access to this cutting-edge technology through the Verizon network. Start by visiting 5Gstore.com, and look at the 5G Unlimited Address Checker. This is how users can verify their address for compatibility with the service area and unlock the potential of high-speed, reliable internet powered by 5G FWA.

As the adoption of FWA continues to grow, companies like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T are positioned to revolutionize the industry landscape with affordable, high-performance internet solutions. With customer satisfaction at the forefront, the shift towards 5G FWA signals a new era in residential internet services, where accessibility, affordability, and performance converge to meet evolving consumer demands.

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Understanding How Cell Towers Work

Those towering structures that dot our landscapes, play a crucial role in ensuring seamless wireless communication. From transmitting radio signals to our mobile devices, cell towers have a defined range that varies due to several factors. Gaining some insight into how cellular towers function can help you to better understand how you might improve signal strength on your cellular devices. 

Cell Tower Height and Structure

Cell towers are vertical structures ranging from 100 to 400 feet in height. Equipped with antennas, they transmit radio signals to mobile devices within their reach. The average maximum usable range of a cell tower is 25 miles, with some towers capable of reaching up to 45 miles. However, the effective coverage radius typically falls between 1 to 3 miles, and in urban environments, it can be as low as 0.25 to 1 mile.

Factors Influencing Cell Tower Range

  1. Spectrum:
    • Different radio frequencies impact the distance a signal can travel.
    • Higher frequencies carry signals over shorter distances, while lower frequencies provide a larger coverage range.
    • Spectrum licensing to wireless carriers influences the efficiency and reach of a cell tower’s signal.
  2. Network Capacity:
    • Wireless networks are designed to meet specific traffic demands and subscriber density.
    • Transitioning from 3G to 4G and now to 5G has led to a decrease in cell tower radius due to increased demand for high-bandwidth applications.
  3. Terrain:
    • Natural and man-made obstructions like mountains, hills, and buildings affect signal reach.
    • Flat terrains allow for longer-distance transmission, while hilly areas may limit a tower’s range to a few miles.
  4. Transmission Power:
    • The power at which a cell tower transmits signals influences its reach.
    • Lower frequency signals, like 600 MHz, cover a greater distance, while higher frequency signals, such as 2.5 GHz, have a shorter reach.

Coverage Area

A cell tower’s coverage area can range from 3 to 50 square miles. The coverage radius, typically 1 to 4 miles for 4G LTE and 5G towers, assumes a three-sided antenna array for 360-degree coverage. Higher frequency signals necessitate denser tower placement for consistent service due to their shorter reach.

To gain a deeper insight into the impact of spectrum on the range of cell towers, we can examine the reach of various frequency bands in an open environment. The following diagram illustrates the coverage radius of cell towers using low-band frequencies (600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz), mid-band frequencies (2.0 GHz, 2.5 GHz, 3.7 GHz), and high-band frequencies (millimeter wave / mmWave).

Source: Crown Castle

How Cellular Antennas Can Help Improve Your Signal

Cellular antennas play a pivotal role in ensuring that your mobile or fixed wireless access (FWA) modem maintains a strong and stable connection to the nearest cell tower. Understanding the mechanics of these antennas, particularly the differences between omnidirectional and directional styles, can shed light on how they contribute to optimizing signal strength.

Omnidirectional Antennas

Omnidirectional antennas are designed to broadcast and receive signals in a 360-degree pattern, creating a spherical coverage zone. These antennas are commonly used in urban areas where cell towers are spread out and can be located in various directions. The advantage of omnidirectional antennas lies in their ability to provide reliable coverage in all directions, making them suitable for scenarios where the location of the cell tower may change frequently or is not precisely known.

These antennas use a vertical radiating element and ground plane to emit and capture radio waves in all directions. The radiating element is usually a vertical rod or whip that sends and receives signals horizontally, ensuring consistent coverage across the entire circumference of the antenna.

Directional Antennas

On the other hand, directional antennas focus their signal in a specific direction, offering a more concentrated and powerful connection. These antennas are beneficial in rural or suburban areas where cell towers may be farther away or concentrated in a specific direction. By directing the signal towards the cell tower, directional antennas can effectively enhance the signal strength and quality.

Directional antennas use a reflector and director elements in addition to the radiating element. The reflector bounces signals back towards the radiating element, while the director elements focus the signal in a specific direction. This concentrated approach allows for a more robust connection over longer distances, making directional antennas ideal for improving signal strength in challenging environments.

A Move Towards Enhanced Connectivity

As we delve into the nuances of cellular technology, understanding the impact of these factors becomes imperative for optimizing coverage and enhancing connectivity. Whether utilizing omnidirectional antennas in dynamic urban landscapes or employing directional antennas to strengthen signals in rural expanses, the mechanics of these technologies underscore their vital role in maintaining a robust and reliable connection. As technology advances, our grasp of these elements will continue to evolve, propelling us toward an era of even more efficient and widespread wireless communication.

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Peplink B One

As technology continues to evolve, so does the Peplink product line of routers. The Peplink B One (B-ONE-T-PRM) has just emerged and is already showing off to be a powerhouse. It seamlessly combines the best features of Peplink’s renowned Pepwave Surf SOHO and Peplink Balance 20 routers. The Surf SOHO MK3 in particular was one of the most reviewed products here at 5Gstore.com. Even with such a great following, the Surf SOHO MK3 was discontinued in the fall of 2022. 

Unlike the next best thing, the Peplink Balance 20X, the Surf SOHO MK3 lacked a built-in cellular 4G/5G modem. This made more sense to users looking for a low-cost, reliable, multi-WAN solution. So with the Surf SOHO, as well as the Balance 20 gone, it leaves room for the B One to come in and provide a SOHO like solution for those in need. The Peplink B One stands out above the Surf SOHO MK3 with its improved speeds, enterprise software features, and robust connectivity options. 

Improved Speeds and WiFi Excellence

The Peplink B One boasts impressive throughput speeds of up to 1Gbps, catering to the needs of 1 to 150 users. It’s equipped with built-in WiFi 6 technology, providing advanced wireless capabilities for both WiFi WAN and/or WiFi AP connections. This ensures a fast and reliable internet experience for all connected devices. If we compare this to the Surf SOHO, it’s quite an increase in speed from 120 Mbps up to a full gigabit. The SOHO also only supported WiFi 5 technology, so users planning on upgrading should see better performance overall.

Enterprise Software Features for Enhanced Control

Efficiently separate devices into Virtual LANs, which enhance network management and security. 4 total LAN ports are available for these connections, but note one of the WAN ports is convertible into a 5th LAN Port (this requires special firmware from Peplink). If WiFi connections are required, you may further secure your network by creating multiple SSIDs for different purposes such as personal, guest, and IoT. 

The B One also has a built-in WiFi access point (AP) that supports 2×2 MiMO connections. If you find this doesn’t provide enough range for your location, seamlessly integrate external WiFi APs. Through the WLAN Controller, you’ll not only have extended coverage and performance, but enhanced control over your wireless local network.

Robust & Reliable Connectivity

Aside from the 2 wired WAN ports, you can provide your network redundancy by connecting a USB cellular modem or a nearby WiFi hotspot (using WiFi WAN – 2.4GHz or 5GHz). This can even be an Android phone or iPhone hotspot. Note that unlike the previously mentioned Peplink hardware, the B One uses a USB-C type port rather than type A. While most USB cellular modems use type A, modern cell Android, iPhones and Peplink’s own MAX Adapters utilize type C.

Be aware that not all USB cellular modems are created alike. If you find you cannot connect yours to the B One, Peplink support will work with you and attempt to get it functioning. For more information on modems that are known to work with the Peplink routers, check out Peplink’s supported list of USB modems. 

With the inclusion of PrimeCare warranty, the Peplink B One supports SpeedFusion technology. This enables the use of Hot Failover, WAN Smoothing, and bonding of multiple internet connections for a more reliable and faster internet feed. This can be any combination of Internet connections, whether it be a wired WAN, USB WAN or WiFi WAN. That’s a total of 5 WAN connections that the Peplink B One can support right out of the box! It is unknown at this time if a LAN port can be used as a 3rd WAN port, but we will update this article accordingly.

Easy Integration with Starlink and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)

The router supports dual WAN ports, which is where you can connect your Starlink dish or Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) cellular modem/ router. Note that the Peplink does not have an integrated satellite or cellular LTE/ 5G modem, but can connect to them externally. Simply take an Ethernet cable from your Starlink dish, or fixed wireless modem, and connect it to one of the WAN ports on the Peplink B One.

When utilizing multiple WAN connections, you may optimize your network by bonding multiple Starlink connections together, or even one Starlink and one FWA connection. Keep in mind that this requires SpeedFusion connectivity, which is included with the PrimeCare warranty plan. 

If bonding is not necessary to your application, you can still achieve optimal performance by using Load Balancing. Balance Starlink with other internet services like 5G/LTE, Cable, Fiber, and Fixed Wireless Access.

Included Management and Cloud Integration

Effortlessly manage your router locally or through Peplink’s cloud manager service, InControl 2, included for 1 year with the PrimeCare warranty. When linked to your devices, InControl 2 consolidates data to produce informative reports covering every facet of your network. With just one screen, you can deploy configurations to all your endpoints. For a more in-depth analysis, you can remotely connect to the web admin of any device within your network.

InControl enables you to streamline configuration processes, reduce the need for on-site visits, monitor your network’s status efficiently, and proactively address emerging issues with speed and accuracy. Furthermore, with the InTouch feature, you can easily access devices connected behind your Peplink B One router. 

That’s not all the InControl 2 cloud management offers. With regular backups of your configuration, you can always rest assured that any changes can quickly be undone as needed. In a future update, you may even be able to upload saved configurations from different Peplink models onto the B One. We’ll update this article as we find out more information. 

Additional Specifications and Notes

  • Dimensions:
    • 10.31 x 6.33 x 1.31 inches (262 x 161 x 33.5mm)
  • The Peplink B One package includes:
    • 2x Dual Band Wi-Fi Antennas 
    • 1x 12V 3A 4 Pin Power Supply
  • PrimeCare warranty renewal for 1 year is available for $49
    • In addition to SpeedFusion features, PrimeCare (PRM-A-1Y / PCP-A-1Y) includes a hardware warranty, support and cloud management. Without PrimeCare, the router functions normally, less these features and cloud control.
    • For those looking to renew the PrimeCare for longer periods, check out product code PRM-A-2Y or PCP-A-2Y for 2 years, and either PRM-A-4Y or PCP-A-4Y for 4 years.

In conclusion, the Peplink B One router delivers on its promise of exceptional speed, reliability, and flexibility. Whether you’re looking for a replacement to your Surf SOHO or Balance 20 router, advanced enterprise features, or multi-WAN connectivity, the B One stands as a versatile and robust networking solution. With its compact design and easy management options, it’s a reliable choice for businesses and users seeking top-tier performance. 

Reach out to the 5Gstore sales team today to place your order for the Peplink B One and be sure to check out our Peplink B One FAQ!

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Exploring Fixed Wireless Access Internet Service 

In the ever-evolving landscape of communication technology, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) has emerged as a game-changing solution, providing reliable internet connectivity to homes and businesses. FWA is offered by major telecom giants such as T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T, allowing customers to enjoy high-speed internet without traditional wired connections. While FWA presents an exciting opportunity, it’s important to note that its availability is currently limited to select areas.

What is Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)?

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is a broadband internet service that delivers high-speed connectivity using wireless technology, eliminating the need for physical cables and infrastructure. FWA operates by establishing a wireless connection between a customer’s location and a nearby cell tower. This technology allows users to access the internet from a fixed location, whether it’s a residential home or a business establishment.

Limited Availability and Slot Constraints

At present, Fixed Wireless Access is only available in specific geographic areas where the telecom companies have deployed the necessary infrastructure. Unlike traditional wired broadband, FWA service coverage is dependent on the proximity of a cell tower. Due to this limitation, not all regions have access to FWA, making it essential for potential customers to check whether their area is eligible for this service.

Moreover, FWA service has a unique constraint that sets it apart from traditional internet offerings: the number of available slots per cell tower. Telecom companies cannot oversell FWA connections beyond the capacity of a given tower. This ensures that users connected to the tower can experience more consistent and reliable speeds without experiencing significant slowdowns during peak usage times.

Fixed Location Verification

Unlike mobile broadband, Fixed Wireless Access requires users to have a verified fixed location. This means that customers cannot use FWA for on-the-go connectivity like they would with mobile data plans. The verification process is crucial for maintaining network stability and ensuring that the service is provided to the intended location.

Variable Speeds Depend on Time of Day and Signal Quality

Even with limited access, the speed of Fixed Wireless Access connections can vary based on factors such as time of day and signal quality. During peak usage hours, such as evenings when many users are online, the network may experience increased congestion, leading to potential slowdowns in internet speed. Additionally, the quality of the signal between the customer’s location and the cell tower can impact the overall speed and stability of the connection. Using an external antenna can typically help in cases where the signal and/or signal quality may be too weak inside. 

FWA Highlights

FWA has many benefits for home and business owners. If you have availability in your area, it’s best to take advantage of the service ASAP before all slots are taken. If you’re on the fence about it, take into consideration the following highlights that showcase FWA’s potential:

  • Rural and Underserved Areas: FWA has the potential to bridge the digital divide by providing high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas where laying traditional wired infrastructure is cost-prohibitive or logistically challenging. This can empower rural communities with improved educational, economic, and social opportunities.
  • Quick Deployment: FWA offers a faster deployment timeline compared to laying physical cables. This agility is particularly valuable in disaster-stricken areas where rapid connectivity is crucial for emergency response, relief efforts, and communication restoration.
  • Cost-Effective Solution: For both service providers and customers, FWA can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional wired broadband solutions. It eliminates the need for extensive underground cabling and associated infrastructure costs.
  • Reduced Environmental Impact: The absence of extensive physical infrastructure reduces the environmental impact associated with laying cables and digging trenches, contributing to a more sustainable approach to connectivity expansion.
  • Business Connectivity: FWA offers a reliable and high-speed internet option for small businesses and startups, enabling them to establish and maintain their online presence without the limitations of traditional wired connections.
  • Future-Proofing: As technology advances, FWA networks can be upgraded with minimal disruption, ensuring that users can benefit from evolving connectivity standards without major infrastructure overhauls.
  • Complementary Technology: FWA can complement existing wired and mobile networks, providing an additional layer of redundancy and network resilience, especially in areas prone to service disruptions.

Paving the Way for the Future of Fixed Connectivity

Fixed Wireless Access offered by telecom giants like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T represents a promising advancement in internet connectivity technology. By eliminating the need for physical cables and infrastructure, FWA brings the convenience of high-speed internet to more homes and businesses. However, its current limited availability and dependence on cell tower capacity mean that FWA is not yet accessible to everyone. As technology continues to evolve, it’s likely that FWA services will expand to cover more areas and improve the overall online experience for users in the future.

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Cutting the Cable – Switching from Cable Internet to Cellular 5G

90 Days in: An Update

After about 90 days of living off 5G Internet service, I am more than pleased with the experience. Have I had any issues? I’d be lying if I said no, but thankfully they’ve been minor. Things like buffering video and choppy audio on voice over IP (VoIP) calls. Regardless of those issues, I was able to use over 500GB of data in June and just over 1TB in July (unfortunately, my May usage was lost). 

I found that my issues were mainly noticeable for my work purposes. This includes real time video meetings and VoIP calls. The buffering I experienced was typically while trying to stream movies during my personal time, which was acceptable. However, I wanted to look for ways to possibly improve those issues. 

When I first installed the 5G service, I simply used the antennas that came with the router. These provided a decent signal and okay quality. Leaning on my experience here with 5Gstore.com, I know that signals tend to improve when there are less obstructions. This means getting the antennas outside and higher up in elevation. The best way to accomplish this is with an outdoor antenna. 

I decided to install an outdoor directional antenna as they are generally more powerful than omnidirectional antennas. They are also focused in a specific direction so you can test and compare results from multiple cell towers (if applicable). This may result in not only better signal, but better quality if there’s less interference in one direction. With less interference, the speeds can normally increase too. 

Since installing the directional antenna, my connection has noticeably been more consistent. That’s with a slight change in frequency band connection and small to large increase in signal and quality (depending on the band). 

The speeds have usually been around 130-160 Mbps down and 13-17 Mbps up with approximately 30-40ms ping times. It would seem that a more consistent connection allows for more usage, which might explain the jump seen on my network between June and July.

Original article, published 5/23/2023:

For years, if you could get your hands on it, cable was the go-to option for both TV and Internet. However, in more recent years, 4G/5G Internet has been a game changer in the world of home entertainment and remote work. “Cutting the cable” might be something you’ve heard a lot recently, especially if you’re subjected to any commercials on live TV or the radio. Making the switch from cable to 4G or 5G Internet can save you money and headaches from outages or overall unsatisfactory service – or so they say. Can it really? I’m here to answer that question, at least based on my own experience with Comcast/ Xfinity. However, this article applies if you are wanting to leave COX or Spectrum.

A Little Background

I’ve been using Comcast/ Xfinity cable for TV and Internet pretty much since it became available. The ease of accessibility was something I quickly grew accustomed to. As time went on, the Internet speeds got faster and more channels were added to the TV lineup. I was addicted on all accounts. Although catching new episodes of my favorite shows was always a struggle. 

Eventually, I grew up and became an adult living in a world of endless entertainment and high speed Internet. I got married to a man just as interested in TV and film as I was. Neither of us had ever lived without cable so it was natural we got cable for TV and Internet when we bought a house. At that time, we marveled at all the content available and felt fortunate to have such high speed internet when so many others do not. 

Having this cable connection allowed me to start working from home almost 12 years ago. I was convinced cable was the best and most reliable connection to have for this purpose. So here we are, two people and a bunch of connected devices with download speeds of up to about 250 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 15 Mbps. This is way more than we ever needed for personal or work use. Still, I believed I had no other choice for a reliable Internet service, especially because my husband and I thought we needed cable TV. After all, the overall cost for TV and Internet was only slightly higher than Internet by itself. 

Working for 5Gstore.com

After some time working from home, I was provided a cellular modem to use as a backup Internet connection. This was a modem that 5Gstore (previously 3G store) both sold and supported, so it helped me on a few levels. I found the connection to be sufficient for my work use, but couldn’t imagine trying to live off that for personal use. I liked to download a lot of audio and video content as well as play games online, which all required more bandwidth speed than I saw a 3G service could provide. 

Gradually, the 4G/5G services started to improve and I could see the capabilities were growing. However, from working with customers who were solely working on cellular, I discovered that it still would not seem adequate for my personal use. Mainly because of the amount of data I would need to use for both work and personal use. From what I could see on our cable usage, we were using anywhere from about 60 GB to 900 GB. We definitely needed an unlimited data plan.

Making the Decision to Switch from Cable to 5G

Over just the past year, there have been multiple choices for Internet service and video content available to me. It was important that I have something reliable and as consistent as possible with its bandwidth speeds. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find anything better than my cable connection and I gave up pretty quickly. 

More time passed and both my husband and I found ourselves watching less and less cable TV and more content on streaming services. Nothing interested us on cable. Or, the content that was on could easily be accessed later without commercials. So why would we bother watching it live?

When 5Gstore announced their 5G unlimited data plan with no overages or throttling, I jumped at the chance to check my service. I live just outside of Chicago, which is thankfully in a coverage area. This changed my outlook on everything. I already knew that I could work off 3G and 4G cellular service. I also had been seeing and hearing reports of over 100 Mbps download speeds and higher, which I knew would be sufficient for my personal use. I was on board to at least test it out. As an added bonus, I had a chance to finally use the Peplink MAX BR1 Pro 5G!

The Transition from Cable to 5G

Coming from a household that has had cable Internet and TV for decades, it was a little strange to consider canceling. After all, I was technically sacrificing some bandwidth speed as well as all the channels and on demand video content our TV plan had to offer. I decided to keep both plans in place for a month. The goal was to perform comparison testing during this time. Though I also still wanted access to the cable in case the cellular became unusable. This would hopefully provide a smoother transition, while allowing my husband and I to see if we could live without cable.  

The first part of the process was checking my address for service. This was done in a matter of minutes since it was during the work day. Next, placing an order from 5Gstore.com. This was simple and an even faster step. Not just because I work for the company, but because I took the same steps that any customer would take.   

In my case, I started using the 5G unlimited data plan. This is considered a Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) type of Internet connection that requires address verification because of limited tower availability.  It operates directly off the Verizon cellular network and can connect to C-Band frequencies, which can provide faster, more reliable speeds. 

Overall, this was a smooth transition. Sure, my experience in this business helps, but this is something that anyone can do. Just let the 5Gstore sales team assist you with selecting the appropriate data plan and 4G/5G router or modem first. Once you’ve got your hands on the SIM card and hardware, the installation is quick and easy. In fact, you could be set up and ready to go in a matter of minutes. 

My Experience Living and Working on 5G

The Peplink MAX BR1 Pro 5G swapped in for the cable modem nicely. I found a great location in my home where I was able to get a decent 4 bar, or roughly -96 dBm to -113dBm RSRP. I was able to get a consistent 5G signal on the C-Band (5G band n77) along with a signal over 3 additional 5G and 4G LTE bands. This was achieved with the Peplink and its stock, paddle style antennas. 

My current work involves uploading and downloading lots of files. Even with the roughly 100 Mbps slower download speeds, I did not see much difference when downloading over cable versus 5G. The upload speeds from 5G were actually quite comparable to cable. Typically, upload speeds were around 10 to 13 Mbps so uploading files was barely noticeable in comparison to uploading over cable.  

Occasionally, I am on the phone using VoIP service or on a video meeting. I would say that 99% of the time, my experience is excellent. The other 1%, the audio on a phone call will cut out for a moment and then return. For the most part, video meetings were just as fantastic. In some cases, it even appeared to be better than what I saw over cable. 

When I use streaming services for TV and movies, I normally try to watch in 4K when possible. I was surprised that there were no issues with this. Then again, the download speeds are still way higher than my husband and I need. In comparison to the roughly 250 Mbps from cable, I normally received between 120 Mbps and 170 Mbps. That all being said, it would be difficult for me to tell the difference from cable. This was a pleasant surprise.

Regarding my data usage I gathered information over a complete month of testing (April 1st to April 30th). My usage totalled about 741 GB. Of that, my work PC used 121 GB and my work phone used 532 MB.

On a side note, this 5G unlimited plan, and a 4G LTE plan that 5Gstore offers, come with a static IP address. I found this extremely useful for setting up a VPN connection between my router and a colleague’s for easy access to devices on my LAN. I could also see it helpful if I wanted to access my personal files remotely when on vacation. Naturally, there are pros and cons to everything. So, while it proved to be helpful for my business use, it was otherwise frustrating for personal use. How could that be? Well, in order for a static IP address to work in this case, it had to be routed through a connection in Nebraska before reaching me in Illinois. This caused my devices without GPS capability (everything but our cell phones) to think they were in Omaha rather than Chicago. 

Why was this frustrating? All the commercials and local television access I had through streaming services like Amazon Prime, Hulu and Paramount+ were showing me content from Omaha and there was no option to change this to Chicago. Once the static IP address was removed from the line of service, it fixed the issue and all local content started coming from Chicago. Keep this in mind if you plan on purchasing a 5Gstore.com data plan for home use. Simply request we do NOT include the static IP when checking out and we’ll ensure it’s not included. 

Final Thoughts

Without cable service, I’m saving a little over $100. Not only is the 5G data plan cheaper, but there’s no hardware fees for renting hardware. You own the hardware and the SIM card is a one time fee. There’s no activation fees either like there are with some 4G/5G services. These savings even include the cost of streaming services. Those services are currently Amazon Prime, Disney+, Netflix, and Paramount+ with Showtime. 

So, is it worth it? I’d say yes! Whether you have COX, Spectrum, Charter, or Xfinity like me, it’s definitely worth the switch. Not only have I had 24/7 service, but my speeds have been pretty consistent and more than adequate for my usage. They’ve also been comparable to cable. The great thing about the data plan, aside from being so much less expensive, is that there’s no contract. We pay month to month and can cancel any time. Should I ever need to renew the service [after canceling] I would just purchase a new SIM card and data plan for my router.  

If you’re considering making the switch, it’s worth doing your research to find a provider like Verizon or T-Mobile, along with a plan that works for your needs. Check your coverage first and see if our 5G Unlimited data plan is available in your area. If this is not available, see what other types of data plans are offered and verify if they will work with the amount of usage you and any others may require. Check with the team at 5Gstore.com to see what hardware and data plan may be the best solution for your needs. With the right setup, you may find that cutting the cable is the best decision you ever made.

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What is the Controversy Over 5G Home Internet

How well 5G Home Broadband solutions perform could affect telecom stocks over the next few years. This is because not all parties are convinced that 5G wireless is going to succeed, or at least be capable of competing with cable broadband services. While T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless have begun marketing and selling their 5G Home Internet plans, AT&T has no plans on pushing this service option. 

Currently, there’s been a controversy amongst cellular providers and cable TV companies over telecom stocks. It’s even possible that 5G services could compete with local phone companies in areas that are still served by copper line-based DSL services. 

“Verizon and T-Mobile think the service can be a growth driver and will have attractive economics,” UBS analyst John Hodulik told Investor’s Business Daily. “FWA (fixed wireless access) is likely to do better where there are limited options for broadband and among subscribers used to lower speeds, so that means legacy DSL subscribers and slower speed cable.”

He added, “The big question is whether FWA has staying power over the next 5 to 10 years given necessary speed increases.”

Is 5G Wireless Worth the Cost?

AT&T has opted not to get into the fixed wireless game at this time. Their reason is simply that it lacks potential. In comparison, due to data usage surges over time, FWA can become less economic than fiber-optic landline alternatives.

“I think it stems from a genuinely different view of the engineering and capacity constraints,” MoffettNathanson analyst Craig Moffett told IBD. “The divergence in views about fixed wireless access between AT&T and Verizon or T-Mobile speaks to a genuine controversy in the telecom industry.”

He also stated that telecom companies are scrambling to make money from huge investments in 5G radio spectrum.

“The renewed appetite for FWA may be a sign of a dawning realization that the gee-whizzy use cases of 5G may never materialize,” Moffett said. “That could be forcing operators to revisit every possible source of incremental revenue in a bid to earn at least some return on their huge investments in 5G spectrum.”

The Broadband Competition

If you’re fortunate enough, there are cable TV options with high speed Internet options. For those who are not, and don’t want to try relying on satellite, there’s cellular and FWA. 

Comcast, one of the largest cable TV companies, says it’s not concerned with broadband competition from fixed 5G wireless services.

“Time will tell, but it’s an inferior product,” Comcast Chief Executive Brian Roberts said at a recent Morgan Stanley conference. “And today, we can say we don’t feel much impact from (it). It’s lower speeds. And in the long run, I don’t know how viable the technology holds up.”

To put it into perspective, Eighty-seven percent of U.S. households subscribe to an internet service at home, according to Leichtman Research Group. Cable TV firms comprise 70% of the broadband market, per LRG.

At the end of 2021 Verizon had about 223,000 fixed wireless broadband customers, though most were connected via 4G wireless networks. On the other hand, T-Mobile had 646,000 fixed broadband subscribers, all connected to 5G.

Per Wall Street analysts, T-Mobile is expecting to serve a range of 7 million to 8 million fixed 5G wireless subscribers by 2025. Verizon has estimated 3 million to 4 million subscribers over the same period.

AT&T and Fixed 5G Wireless

Another area of fixed 5G has been debated over and that is whether it could be more successful in suburban/urban markets or in rural areas.

“FWA is definitely a threat to cable companies,” Peter Rysavy, head of Rysavy Research, said in an email. “Particularly with (high frequency) mmWave, 5G can compete directly with cable. Mid-band spectrum is also effective but is best suited for lower density population areas. In these deployments, even T-Mobile limits the number of fixed wireless subscribers it can support in any geographical area.”

At UBS, Hodulik says that even if positioned as a low-end service, fixed 5G broadband still has a potential market of 20 million to 30 million homes.

As much as AT&T may not want to get into FWA, they have a sizable wireline local service area in 22 states. That means it will face competition from fixed 5G broadband, just like cable TV firms.

“AT&T has a huge wireline asset base that is only 25% upgraded to fiber,” Oppenheimer analyst Tim Horan told IBD. “So they are very exposed to competition from fixed wireless.”

At an analyst day on March 11, AT&T said it plans to upgrade 50% of its local markets, about 30 million customer locations, to high-speed fiber-optic broadband service by year-end 2025.

AT&T’s CEO, John Stankey, commented on the controversy over FWA saying that they see FWA as playing a limited role for mobile small business and enterprise applications, as well as in rural areas.

“We’re not opposed to fixed wireless, and I’m sure there’s going to be segments of the market where it’s going to be acceptable and folks are going to find it to be adequate right now,” Stankey said.

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What’s New with T-Mobile’s 5G Fixed Wireless Service

Everyone is in competition with each other for the Super Bowl, not just the players or fans, but the companies whose ads play during the game. While Verizon got Jim Carrey to reprise his role in the “The Cable Guy,” T-Mobile brought back “Scrubs” with actors Zack Braff and Donald Faison singing a duet – to the tune of “I Feel Pretty” – about how great its home internet services are. They also had some hilarious PSA-type ads with the great Dolly Parton, and Miley Cyrus, urging people to think of 5G phones.

Since the Super Bowl, T-Mobile has expanded its 5G home internet service in three states – Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio. This brings the carrier’s 5G Home Internet offering to 62 cities and towns across the three states, with coverage spanning nearly 5 million homes. Overall, T-Mobile says 30 million homes are eligible for its fixed wireless access (FWA)-based service across the country.

Wednesday’s announcement highlighted part of T-Mobile’s strategy to make FWA available in markets where there is little or no choice for traditional broadband. This would certainly give them an edge, if they can make it happen. According to T-Mobile, there are at least 3 million people in these three states who don’t have any access or only have one option for a broadband provider.

In a statement Kentucky State Representative Mary Beth Imes praised the expanded coverage effort, saying thousands more households now have access to unlimited high-speed internet.

“T-Mobile Home Internet has expanded access in Kentucky, bringing our state a real competitive option for broadband where many households are still left without any option or any good option,” Imes said.

In the announcement, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan emphasized that T-Mobile’s expansion is helping to make broadband access more equitable.

“In Akron, families rely on home broadband now more than ever before,” he noted. “But throughout the pandemic, options for reliable connectivity have been lacking, and for some households, non-existent.”

T-Mobile is charging $50 per month for home internet, as long as you setup with autopay. They guarantee no added taxes or fees, price hikes, equipment costs or data caps. Just like Verizon’s 5G Home Internet, customers can self-install the gateway in what T-Mobile says is a 15-minute process. 

T-Mobile is of course bringing in FWA subscribers mainly from more urban and suburban areas. These are generally areas that already have multiple options for broadband Internet. According to a recent Evercore report however, it’s suggested that areas with few options are where fixed wireless has some of the most potential. Overall, the firm found that fixed wireless speeds from different providers across the U.S. varied widely and that cable or fiber often delivered better performance.

“Outside of urban areas with millimeter wave, cable and fiber are able to offer a superior product to fixed wireless, and we expect that many of the fixed wireless net adds in rural areas will be households transitioning from DSL to fixed wireless where cable or fiber is not available,” Evercore stated.

With that being said, there was a report from New Street Research last month that noted when FWA additions from T-Mobile and Verizon are factored in (which totaled 302,000 combined), cable lost share of the overall broadband market in the fourth quarter of 2021. 

“If this result holds, the last two quarters may be the first time Cable hasn’t taken share in well over a decade,” New Street’s Jonathan Chaplin wrote in a February note to investors.

T-Mobile ended last year with 646,000 home internet customers after adding 224,000 FWA subscribers in the fourth quarter. The carrier’s new goal is to increase its fixed wireless subscribers to 7 million to 8 million by the end of 2025. In comparison, Verizon added 78,000 FWA net additions last quarter, ending the year with a total of about 223,000.

Predictions from LightShed Partners came in last month for 2022, forecasting T-Mobile and Verizon would add 1.8 million wireless home broadband customers this year. This is more than double what they added in 2021. The firm noted spectrum depth as the key to speed and capacity carriers need to play competitively in this home broadband market.

“They have been spending tens of billions of dollars on this valuable asset and now they plan to deploy a ton of it,” wrote LightShed analysts in January.

Some analysts however, such as those at MoffettNathanson, see T-Mobile’s goal as more of a challenge.

“The math of acquiring 7-8M customers from an addressable pool of just 30M is daunting enough – it implies something between 23 and 30% penetration of addressable homes, an arguably absurdly ambitious target,” wrote MoffettNathanson analysts in a December report.

Part of the challenge MoffettNathanson highlighted relates to capacity and aligning FWA subscribers with cell sites or sectors that have the most available, as operators want to make sure more valuable mobile customers don’t have their experience hampered by FWA usage.

“It will be relatively easy to acquire FWA customers initially, when almost all cell site sectors are ‘open,’ but it will get harder and harder over time to match demand to precisely those pockets of supply where the network can safely tolerate loads of this magnitude,” Moffett noted.

Also important to note – T-Mobile places a cap on the number of FWA customers it will take on in addressable markets, and once it hits a certain threshold in an area, closes it off to new customers until someone drops the service.

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Verizon’s CFO Discusses Progress with C-Band & Fixed Wireless

At the beginning of November, we reported about the stop AT&T and Verizon had to put on rolling out their respective 5G C-band services due to FAA regulations. As the FAA continues to work with the FCC on this, Verizon’s CFO Matt Ellis is confident that the delay won’t linger more than 30 days. Ellis, who spoke during Morgan Stanley’s European Technology, Media & Telecom investor conference, added that the parties are going through a bit of a process to get everyone aligned. Both carriers have voluntarily pushed things back from December 5th to January 5th.

Ellis also talked about how this delay hasn’t kept Verizon from staying on track with their other goals. This includes reaching 100 million PoPs with C-band coverage in the first quarter of 2022. This seems it may hold true based on how the company was tracking in 5G coverage at the end of October. 

While on the topic of C-band, Ellis talked up progress on the fixed wireless (FWA) front for both 4G LTE and 5G mmWave (aka 5G Home). When asked if he thought fixed wireless would be a key 5G killer app, he replied, “Yes, it is. We absolutely believe that to be the case.”

In the third quarter Verizon disclosed figures, adding 55,000 fixed wireless customers for a total of 150,000 as of the end of September. Coverage with 4G and 5G FWA stands at 11.6 million homes, and plans to reach 15 million by the end of the year. That number aims to hit 50 million by the end of 2025. Combined with what Ellis described as high-teen millions on the Fios side, it will be close to 70 million premises passed with home broadband in the next few years.

For the mmWave service, Ellis said that Verizon will have over 30,000 sites by the end of 2021 compared to just 2,000 sites two years ago.

Unlike 5G fixed wireless, which was quickly put into play along with its network rollout, LTE fixed wireless services have been more recently determined on a site-by-site basis – and is only available where Verizon has enough excess capacity. Initially launching last year, LTE coverage first focused largely on rural areas. Over the past year, it has grown to include more suburban and urban locations. It’s “seeing good traction,” Ellis noted.

When it comes to LTE, he pointed out that customer premises equipment (CPE) was upgraded over the summer to add support for the C-band, when available. “So those customers who are in those first 46 markets that the C-band will get turned on, will have the opportunity to step up from the 4G Home to the C-band version of that as well.”

Like with Fios, fixed wireless is not limited to residential customers. For example, Verizon is delivering 5G fixed wireless to certain Walgreens locations under a network-as-a-service deal in late 2020 covering 9,000 retail stores. 5G Business Internet FWA service expanded to 57 U.S. cities last month, while 5G Home was available in 60.

During Wednesday’s event Morgan Stanley analysts pointed out that Verizon has been highlighting the idea of being the go-to provider for broadband nationwide and asked Ellis about the potential to bundle home and mobile service thanks to fixed wireless access. He said it expands where Verizon can offer broadband, which right now is mainly restricted to the carrier’s Fios footprint.

“We get to take the ability to provide broadband from being a regional play to a nationwide play, and that’s tremendously exciting when we think of what we can do with that,” Ellis said. “Across the different technologies getting up towards 70 million homes by the end of 2025 we think that gives us the opportunity to play in this space in a way that nobody does so far.” He added, “How we market to our customer base in terms of offering those products together is a significant part of the growth opportunity.”

On a related note, T-Mobile has also gotten into the FWA game, and is targeting service to rural areas with LTE and 5G. In September T-Mobile’s FWA tally stood around 600 locations in the U.S., while its mid-band 2.5 GHz 5G footprint now covers 200 million Americans.

In terms of home broadband getting attention, Ellis referenced the recently signed $1 trillion infrastructure bill that includes $65 billion for broadband. Verizon expects to benefit from this via their fixed wireless services. “What I think it shows obviously is the importance of broadband in people’s lives and access to every aspect of the digital economy,” he said. Verizon’s been building out Fios as part of that “fixed wireless access gives us the opportunity to also be part of the solution there.”

Ellis emphasized that he believes the bill shouldn’t favor a specific technology.

“Let’s let the marketplace determine the right solution in each geographic location,” he said, noting that aside from fiber to the home, fiber to a cell site with FWA service provides a compelling product at a great price for customers as well.

Also top of mind is Verizon’s pending $6.9 billion acquisition of TracFone, which Ellis said is set up to close before the end of the year. There are still two hurdles outstanding, including a vote by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) that’s on the agenda for a review vote Thursday, as well as FCC approval.

With the Tracfone deal Verizon is aiming to compete more directly in the prepaid space, where its current presence is tiny compared to main competitors but would jump to the leading position in terms of subscriber figures. Tracfone would bring roughly 20 million customers under the Verizon umbrella, a good portion that are already riding on the carrier’s network under a wholesale deal. For the roughly one third of TracFone subscribers that aren’t already on the Verizon network, Ellis said consumers will get an upgrade while Verizon benefits from cost savings as well.

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