These moves, coupled with growing consumer demand, should give it a significant boost, says In-Stat. Worldwide subscribers to fixed wireless data and video services will total 14 million by 2004, In-Stat predicts. But even so, fixed wireless will lag behind DSL and cable-modem services. Originally designed as an alternative to standard cable TV, fixed wireless is now aimed at providing high-speed Net services to businesses and consumers. It uses microwave transceivers to transmit voice, video and data to customer transceivers.
Modular architecture allows for incremental increases in coverage.
Lack of widely accepted standards means a shallow pool of equipment makers. Tall buildings, trees and foul weather can degrade signals. Since cells are small with limited range, providers will likely only offer service to more densely populated areas. Recent collapse of the WorldCom-Sprint merger stifles needed consolidation and removes a chance for economies of scale necessary to compete with alternative technologies. Despite these hurdles, In-Stat expects solid growth for fixed wireless over the next several years, particularly in international markets saddled with sparse or inadequate wired telecom networks.