5G FWA isn’t just a “nice-to-have” – it’s the future of home connectivity.
The latest data from CTIA shows a clear trend: 5G FWA is driving nearly all new broadband growth in the U.S.
For the third year in a row, 99% of new home broadband subscribers chose 5G, as consumers prefer wireless choices. In fact, net cable subscriptions decreased by more than a million last year, while 5G home subscribership increased by nearly 3.7M. Overall, US market penetration has expanded rapidly, growing to almost 12 million subscribers by the end of last year, and is projected to increase 1.7 times by 2028, according to CTIA.
The chart clearly shows the point: while traditional broadband net additions have slowed, 5G FWA has accelerated. What’s striking is that FWA is not just supplementing the market—it is driving growth, especially in suburban and rural areas where fiber rollouts are slower or economically challenging.
FWA will play a key role in national broadband strategies as it is quick to deploy (no digging required); affordable and accessible, even in rural areas; speeds up to 300 Mbps—ideal for streaming, WFH, gaming.
Conclusion
5G FWA is no longer an emerging experiment—it has become the engine of broadband growth in the U.S. The latest CTIA data underscores a market shift where wireless is now the preferred choice for millions of households, outpacing cable and complementing fiber. Its rapid adoption proves that consumers value flexibility, speed, and affordability without the long wait for fiber rollouts.
As penetration continues to rise and coverage expands, 5G FWA will solidify its role at the center of national broadband strategies—bridging the digital divide, empowering suburban and rural communities, and reshaping how we think about home connectivity. The message is clear: 5G FWA isn’t just the future of broadband—it’s the present.