Nothing can beat fiber,'' said Jeff Moore, senior analyst for network services with Current Analysis in Sterling, Va. There will always be buildings not connected to fiber directly. Fixed wireless beckons companies that don't want to pay for a building's last mile of wires, which they'd normally have to lease monthly from the local provider, like Verizon. They say that saves them several weeks, thousands of dollars and, most importantly, the need to rely on a third party to deliver a significant part of their service. Fixed wireless requires a clean line of sight between antennas, an obstacle that's beginning to crumble with newer technology.
Analysts also clash on whether harsh winds or torrential rain can sway the signal.
Companies say they haven't noticed a blip in service so far. Most providers are unlicensed, using the public 2.4 gigahertz frequency to send signals. A few hope to stretch their networks beyond the bridge-tunnel, encompassing the dozens of miles between New Kent County and Pungo. He's been meeting with local investors to spur that development into fourth gear. They're fueled by faith in the technology.