Fixed Wireless Internet Guide (2026 Guide)
Quick Answer
Fixed wireless internet uses radio signals transmitted from towers to antennas at customer locations, providing broadband speeds of 25-100 Mbps in areas without cable or fiber. It offers lower latency than satellite (30-50ms) and works well for rural and underserved areas with line-of-sight to transmission towers.
What Is Fixed Wireless Internet?
Fixed wireless internet transmits data using radio waves between a tower and a fixed antenna installed at your home or business. Unlike mobile wireless or 5G home internet that uses cellular networks, fixed wireless typically operates on licensed or unlicensed spectrum bands, providing dedicated service to residential and business customers.
The technology requires line-of-sight or near line-of-sight between the tower and your antenna. Trees, buildings, and terrain can interfere with signals, making proper antenna placement critical. Most providers install antennas on rooftops or elevated poles to clear obstructions and maximize signal quality.
Fixed wireless serves a crucial niche: rural and suburban areas where cable and fiber aren't economical to deploy, but population density supports tower-based service. Many fixed wireless providers are local or regional companies, wireless ISPs (WISPs), or rural electric cooperatives investing in broadband infrastructure.
Fixed Wireless Speeds and Performance
Fixed wireless speeds typically range from 25-100 Mbps download with 5-25 Mbps upload, though some providers offer plans up to 200 Mbps in ideal conditions. Latency averages 30-50ms, significantly better than satellite but slightly higher than cable or fiber. This latency level works well for video streaming, web browsing, and video conferencing, with acceptable performance for online gaming.
Weather can affect fixed wireless performance, though less dramatically than satellite. Heavy rain, snow, and fog can cause temporary signal degradation. Wind affecting antenna alignment can also impact service quality, making professional installation and proper mounting essential.
Most fixed wireless providers implement data caps ranging from 100 GB to unlimited plans. Fair use policies are common, with providers potentially throttling speeds after heavy usage. Always verify data policies before committing to service, especially if you're a heavy streaming household.
Who Provides Fixed Wireless Internet?
Fixed wireless is primarily offered by WISPs (Wireless Internet Service Providers)—local and regional companies serving specific geographic areas. Hundreds of WISPs operate across the United States, each covering different territories. Finding available providers requires checking by ZIP code or address, as coverage is highly localized.
Some national providers offer fixed wireless in select markets. AT&T provides fixed wireless internet in rural areas not served by fiber or DSL, with speeds up to 100 Mbps. Contact 1-855-850-5977 to check availability. T-Mobile and Verizon's 5G home internet services are technically advanced forms of fixed wireless, though they operate on cellular infrastructure.
Rural electric cooperatives increasingly offer fixed wireless as part of broadband expansion initiatives. These community-owned utilities often provide excellent customer service and competitive pricing, prioritizing members' connectivity needs over profit maximization.
Fixed Wireless vs Other Rural Internet Options
Fixed wireless competes with satellite, DSL, and 5G home internet for rural customers. Compared to satellite, fixed wireless offers significantly lower latency (30-50ms vs. 600ms for traditional satellite or 25ms for Starlink), making it better for gaming and video conferencing. However, satellite works anywhere with clear sky view, while fixed wireless requires tower proximity and line-of-sight.
Versus DSL, fixed wireless typically provides faster speeds without distance degradation from central offices. DSL speeds decline with distance, while fixed wireless maintains consistent performance within tower range. However, DSL offers slightly lower latency and better weather resistance.
5G home internet represents the evolution of fixed wireless, offering easier self-installation and potentially faster speeds where available. Traditional fixed wireless often requires professional antenna installation, but some providers now offer self-install kits similar to 5G gateways.
Installation and Equipment
Fixed wireless installation typically requires professional service to mount an outdoor antenna and run cabling to your router inside. The installer surveys your property to find optimal antenna placement with clear line-of-sight to the tower, then mounts the antenna and aims it precisely. Installation costs range from $0-300, often included in promotional offers or first-year service.
Equipment includes an outdoor antenna/radio unit and an indoor router. Some systems use a single outdoor unit that includes routing capabilities, while others use separate antenna and router components. Monthly equipment rental fees ($5-15) are common, though some providers include equipment in service pricing.
Self-installation is available with some providers, particularly those using newer technology. These systems include mounting hardware, an antenna unit, and detailed installation guides. Self-installation saves money but requires comfort working on ladders and basic technical skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find fixed wireless providers in my area?
Finding fixed wireless providers requires localized searching, as most are regional WISPs. Start with our provider search tool by entering your address. You can also search for "wireless internet service provider [your city/county]" or contact your rural electric cooperative about broadband services. The FCC's broadband map shows available technologies by address. Local computer repair shops and IT professionals often know which WISPs serve the area.
Does fixed wireless work in bad weather?
Fixed wireless performance can degrade during heavy rain, snow, and dense fog, though effects are less severe than satellite. Light to moderate weather rarely causes issues. Severe thunderstorms may cause temporary slowdowns or brief outages. Modern equipment includes weatherproofing and technologies that minimize weather impacts. Professional installation with proper antenna mounting and alignment reduces weather-related problems.
Can I game on fixed wireless internet?
Yes, fixed wireless works well for most online gaming with latency typically between 30-50ms. This is higher than cable or fiber (10-30ms) but much better than traditional satellite (600ms). Casual and moderate gamers won't notice significant differences. Competitive esports players might prefer wired connections when available, but fixed wireless performs adequately for the vast majority of games and players.
What if trees block line-of-sight to the tower?
Trees are the most common obstacle for fixed wireless service. Solutions include: mounting the antenna higher to clear tree tops, trimming or removing obstructing trees (with owner permission), or using a taller pole mount. Some newer fixed wireless technologies can work with near line-of-sight rather than requiring perfect clearance. During your service consultation, the provider surveys your property to determine if adequate signal is achievable.
How much does fixed wireless internet cost?
Fixed wireless pricing varies by provider and location, typically ranging from $50-100/month. Entry-level plans (25-50 Mbps) cost $50-70/month. Higher-speed plans (75-100 Mbps) run $70-100/month. Equipment rental adds $5-15/month, though many providers include equipment in monthly pricing. Installation fees range from free to $300, often waived with contract commitments or promotional offers. Check for contract requirements and early termination fees.
Is fixed wireless affected by network congestion?
Yes, fixed wireless networks can experience congestion during peak usage times when many customers are online simultaneously. However, congestion is typically less severe than cable internet's shared neighborhood bandwidth issues. Many WISPs actively manage network capacity and upgrade infrastructure proactively to maintain performance. Ask prospective providers about their network management policies and typical peak-hour speeds in your area.
Can I use my own router with fixed wireless?
Yes, most fixed wireless services allow you to connect your own router to the provided antenna/modem unit. The outdoor antenna typically includes an Ethernet port that connects to any standard router. Using your own router gives you more control over WiFi settings, advanced features, and potentially better performance. Ensure your router supports the speeds your fixed wireless plan provides. Some providers offer gateway units that combine antenna and routing functions, which may limit custom router options.