Broadband expansion is a critical factor in bridging the digital divide worldwide. However, determining the best technology for deployment remains a challenge. Should fibre be the default solution, or is a technology-neutral approach more effective?
The Case for Fibre
Fibre-optic broadband is widely regarded as the gold standard for high-speed internet. It offers:
- Superior speed and low latency, making it ideal for data-intensive applications.
- Symmetrical upload and download speeds, essential for remote work, cloud computing, and video conferencing.
- Lower maintenance costs over time compared to copper or wireless solutions.
Because of these advantages, fibre is often prioritised for long-term, high-quality connectivity investments. However, deployment challenges – especially in rural areas – have led to discussions about alternative solutions.
The Argument for a Technology-Neutral Approach
While fibre offers significant benefits, a flexible, technology-neutral approach allows providers to choose solutions best suited to specific regions.
- Cost and feasibility: In remote, geographically challenging, or low-density areas, 100% fibre installations can be too expensive and time-consuming to deploy.
- Wireless alternatives: Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and satellite internet offer viable alternatives for faster and more cost effective deployments. Extreme weather conditions, line of sight constraints and spectrum availability are limitations of these technologies.
- Hybrid solutions: Combining fibre backhaul with wireless last-mile connections can balance cost and performance. FWA and satellite can be used to provide redundancy to critical fibre links.
For areas where fiber is impractical, FWA and satellite can accelerate broadband availability without compromising connectivity goals.
The Future of Broadband Expansion
Regardless of the chosen approach, the ultimate goal remains the same: ensuring reliable, high-speed internet access for all. Key factors influencing broadband deployment include:
- Infrastructure longevity: Fibre provides long-term reliability but requires higher upfront investment and a much longer time to value.
- Cost efficiency: Wireless solutions may offer quicker deployment with lower initial costs with point-to-point or even point-to-multipoint coverage topologies. FWA can be used as a temporary means of providing broadband until fibre can be installed in the future.
Geographic considerations: Urban areas may benefit from fibre expansion, while remote regions require hybrid models using a combination of fibre, microwave, FWA and satellite technologies. According to the GSMA Mobile Economy 2024 report [1], mobile internet penetration reached 58% of the global population by the end of 2023, equating to 4.7 billion users. However, a usage gap of 3 billion people remains, highlighting the ongoing challenge of achieving universal broadband access. A mix of fibre, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), and satellite solutions will be essential to bridging this gap and ensuring digital inclusion.
Achieving Equitable Connectivity
Service providers must balance speed, cost, and accessibility when expanding broadband networks. A technology-agnostic approach-leveraging fibre, FWA, and satellite where appropriate—can accelerate digital inclusion and ensure sustainable connectivity for all.
How Enghouse Can Help
Explore how Enghouse Networks’ Coverage Portals, Customer Experience Tickets , Customer Care, and Proactive Care solutions help CSPs validate 5G availability, streamline onboarding, and boost customer satisfaction.
