Fixed–wireless access can challenge DSL and fibre in MENA, especially once 5G is launched

Broadband fixed–wireless access (FWA) has been popular in some markets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). In particular, FWA has helped fixed operators in the region to extend broadband access beyond their footprint, and has helped challenger operators to compete with fixed incumbents. In this comment, we discuss two successful LTE FWA deployments and explore how the launch of 5G will affect the future of FWA in the MENA region.