436 mobile network operators now offering FWA using LTE or 5G: GSA

The GSA 4G-5G FWA Forum today published the third issue of the GSA 4G/5G FWA Device Ecosystem Directory, a unique reference guide to mainstream and emerging FWA vendors and their products.

The Fixed Wireless Access Device Ecosystem Directory, which promotes information sharing between vendors and operators to further accelerate the deployment of 4G and 5G fixed wireless access services globally, now lists over 142 FWA devices. In addition, it also details 30 application and baseband processors from 5 vendors and 39 modules from 6 vendors. 3GPP-based FWA is already widely used globally, and its adoption keeps growing fast with over 436 operators in 171 countries/territories with available service offers for FWA using LTE or 5G, according to the latest GSA FWA global status update (June 2021) – that equates to more than half of all operators with commercial LTE or 5G networks worldwide.

The Directory contains an overview of the growing number of companies involved in the 3GPP Fixed Wireless Access Device Ecosystem and groups companies according to where they sit in the ecosystem, namely Chipset Suppliers, Module Suppliers or Device Suppliers for easy reference.

The GSA 4G/5G FWA Device Ecosystem Company Directory is available for download here. GSA invites all FWA device, chipset and module vendors to submit their product information for inclusion in this industry resource; to be part of the Directory please contact [email protected].

“The current Covid-19 pandemic situation has clearly illustrated the pivotal role connectivity and FWA can play as people work, study and socialize on-line,” said Julien Grivolas, Chairman of GSA 4G-5G FWA Forum. “FWA can be a life changer by ensuring the availability of strong and reliable broadband connectivity wirelessly to people wherever they are, whatever they do. Connecting the unconnected was already a fundamental priority in a normal world, but, as we are seeing with the terrible pandemic situation that we are still facing, our mission to accelerate people’s access to broadband connectivity through 4G/5G FWA is only becoming more critical. This is true for developing as well as developed economies.”

In the directory, FWA Devices are split into two families, “CPE” which are defined as AC powered devices designed for continuous 24 hours broadband connectivity, and “Battery operated devices” which are defined as devices including batteries designed specifically for nomadic or sporadic usage of broadband connectivity (e.g. MiFi or Pocket Hotspot). Companies listed in the chipset and module sections of this directory produce specific 3GPP based 4G/5G chipsets or modules that are suitable for inclusion in any of the FWA product types listed above.

Formed under the auspices of the Global mobile Suppliers Association, the GSA 4G-5G FWA Forum brings together leading chipset, module, and terminal vendors – as well as other telecommunications industry representatives, who wish to promote 4G and 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology, products and services – to report on progress of FWA deployments, identify use cases and encourage global adoption.

GSA 4G-5G FWA Forum Founding Partners and Members include Asiatelco Technologies Co., Askey, ASRMicro, BEC Technologies, Casa Systems, Changhong, Da Ta Technologies, Ericsson, Esound Technology, Fibocom Wireless Inc., Gosuncnwelink Technology, Green Packet, Haiiot Co, Huawei, ICIX / UNIVO, Inseego, Intelbras, Jaton Technology, Jointelli, Maxcomm, Mediatek, MeiG Smart Technology, MLL Telecom, Mobot Mobile, Neoway, Netgear, Nokia, Notion InfoTech, Qualcomm, Quectel, Sequans, Signalinks, SMAWave, TCL, TigerCel, Tozed Kangwei, Unisoc, Wavetel, WNC, YaoJin Technology, ZMTEL (Zhongmi Communications), and ZTE. CT Bureau