Second, because wireless devices are generally less expensive than personal computers, wireless Internet technologies have the potential to bring more people on-line. Third, wireless technologies can serve areas currently lacking the infrastructure required to provide next generation Internet service. Broadband Internet access is provided by a series of technologies that give users the ability to send and receive data at volumes and speeds far greater than current Internet access over traditional telephone lines. Thus, the vast majority of residential Internet users connect via a modem through their telephone wire. Wireless technologies have the potential to bring broadband to those not served by wired services.
Various methods are in development for the wireless delivery of broadband Internet service.
Fixed wireless Internet services are essentially substitutes for wired service to a business or home. Instead of receiving voice, data and video over wires, it would be delivered over the radiofrequency spectrum. This service could potentially be delivered from a tower or a satellite to a receiver on a building. There are several fixed wireless technologies that have potential. LMDS typically consists of a central base station with an omnidirectional antenna serving many customers.