Fixed Wireless Internet: Coverage & Providers (2026)
What Is Fixed Wireless Internet?
Fixed wireless internet (FWI) delivers broadband using radio signals transmitted between a tower or base station and a fixed antenna installed at your home or business. Unlike satellite internet, fixed wireless signals travel shorter distances (typically 5-15 miles) directly between ground-based equipment, resulting in lower latency and more consistent performance.
The term "fixed wireless" encompasses both carrier-based 5G home internet services from T-Mobile and Verizon, and hundreds of smaller WISPs (Wireless Internet Service Providers) that serve rural communities. Together, these providers reach millions of Americans who lack wired broadband options.
Federal broadband investments through the BEAD program and USDA ReConnect program are expanding fixed wireless infrastructure in underserved areas, making it an increasingly important part of the U.S. broadband landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Speed: 25-1,000 Mbps depending on technology and provider
- Latency: 10-50 ms (much lower than satellite)
- Technology: Radio signals (CBRS, 5G, proprietary)
- Installation: Outdoor antenna + indoor router
- Best for: Rural areas without cable/fiber access
How Fixed Wireless Works
A fixed wireless connection requires two components: a transmitter on a tower or tall structure (water tower, grain elevator, building) and a receiver antenna at your location. The signal travels through the air using licensed or unlicensed radio spectrum.
Line-of-Sight Requirements
Most fixed wireless technologies require a clear line of sight between the tower and your antenna. Trees, hills, and buildings can block or degrade the signal. During installation, a technician identifies the best mounting location for your antenna, typically on your roof or an exterior wall.
Fixed Wireless Technologies
- 5G Fixed Wireless (FWA): Uses carrier 5G networks for speeds up to 1 Gbps. Offered by T-Mobile and Verizon.
- CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service): 3.5 GHz band offering 100-400 Mbps. Used by many WISPs and carriers.
- Proprietary wireless: Various technologies (Cambium, Ubiquiti, Mimosa) used by regional WISPs, typically 25-100 Mbps.
- TV White Space: Uses unused TV spectrum for longer range (10+ miles) but lower speeds (25-50 Mbps).
Fixed Wireless Providers (2026)
| Provider | Type | Price | Speed | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile 5G Home | 5G FWA | $50/mo | 33-245 Mbps | 50+ million homes |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G FWA | $60/mo | 85-1,000 Mbps | 50+ million homes |
| Rise Broadband | WISP | $45-65/mo | 25-100 Mbps | 16 states (rural) |
| GeoLinks | WISP | $59-89/mo | 50-200 Mbps | CA, CO, NV |
| Nextlink Internet | WISP | $49-99/mo | 50-200 Mbps | TX, OK, IL |
| Local WISPs (700+) | Various | $40-80/mo | 25-100 Mbps | Regional/Rural |
To find WISPs in your area, use our ZIP code lookup tool or search the WISPA (Wireless Internet Service Providers Association) directory.
Fixed Wireless Speeds
Fixed wireless speeds vary significantly based on technology, distance from the tower, and network congestion:
| Technology | Typical Download | Typical Upload | Latency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5G mmWave | 300-1,000 Mbps | 50-200 Mbps | 10-20 ms |
| 5G Mid-band | 100-300 Mbps | 20-50 Mbps | 20-40 ms |
| CBRS | 50-200 Mbps | 10-50 Mbps | 10-30 ms |
| Proprietary WISP | 25-100 Mbps | 5-25 Mbps | 15-40 ms |
| TV White Space | 10-50 Mbps | 3-10 Mbps | 20-50 ms |
Performance can degrade during heavy rain or snow. Unlike geostationary satellite, fixed wireless latency remains low enough for video calls and most online gaming.
Fixed Wireless vs. Satellite vs. DSL
For rural internet users, the three main options are fixed wireless, satellite, and DSL. Here is how they compare:
| Feature | Fixed Wireless | Satellite | DSL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Speed | 50-300 Mbps | 25-250 Mbps | 5-50 Mbps |
| Latency | 10-50 ms | 20-700 ms | 20-45 ms |
| Video Calls | Yes | Starlink only | Sometimes |
| Weather Impact | Moderate | Moderate | None |
| Availability | Regional | ~99% | ~85% |
Fixed wireless offers the best balance of speed, latency, and reliability for rural users. If fixed wireless is available at your address, it is usually preferable to satellite or DSL.
Availability and Coverage
Fixed wireless availability depends on proximity to a tower with an available signal. Check coverage by entering your ZIP code in our availability tool. The BEAD program is funding thousands of new fixed wireless towers in underserved areas through 2028.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fixed wireless the same as 5G home internet?
5G home internet is a type of fixed wireless, but not all fixed wireless uses 5G. Many rural WISPs use other technologies (CBRS, proprietary systems). T-Mobile and Verizon's 5G home internet services are the most well-known fixed wireless offerings.
Does fixed wireless require a dish like satellite?
Fixed wireless uses a small antenna (often a flat panel or small box) mounted on your roof or exterior wall, not a satellite dish. The antenna is smaller and more discreet than a satellite dish.
Is fixed wireless reliable?
Fixed wireless is generally reliable with 99%+ uptime, though heavy rain or snow can temporarily reduce speeds. It is more consistent than satellite internet and comparable to DSL in reliability.
Can I get fixed wireless in a rural area?
Many fixed wireless providers specifically target rural areas. Over 700 WISPs serve rural communities nationwide. Federal BEAD and ReConnect funding is rapidly expanding rural fixed wireless coverage.
How much does fixed wireless installation cost?
Installation typically costs $0-200 depending on the provider. T-Mobile and Verizon offer free self-install kits. Regional WISPs usually charge $100-200 for professional antenna installation.
Finding and Choosing a WISP
Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) are often the unsung heroes of rural broadband, serving communities that major carriers overlook. Over 700 WISPs operate across the United States, ranging from one-person operations serving a single county to larger companies covering multiple states.
How to Find WISPs in Your Area
Finding local WISPs can be challenging since they typically do not have the marketing budgets of major carriers. Here are the best ways to locate fixed wireless providers near you:
- Our ZIP code lookup tool: Search by your ZIP code to see all available providers including WISPs
- WISPA member directory: The Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) maintains a searchable directory of member WISPs
- BroadbandNow: Comprehensive database of ISPs including small regional wireless providers
- Local community groups: Facebook groups and community forums for your area often have recommendations for local WISPs
- County or township offices: Many rural government offices maintain lists of available internet providers
What to Ask a WISP
Before signing up with a WISP, ask these important questions to ensure the service will meet your needs:
- What speeds can I expect at my specific address? (Speeds vary significantly by location)
- Is there a data cap? If so, what happens when I exceed it? (Throttling vs. overage fees)
- What is the contract length? (Prefer month-to-month or short-term contracts)
- What happens during bad weather? (Ask about rain and snow performance)
- What is the typical latency? (Important for video calls and gaming)
- How quickly do you respond to outages? (Rural repair response times can be slow)
- What equipment is required and who owns it? (Some WISPs require equipment purchase, others lease it)
WISP Advantages Over Major Carriers
WISPs often provide advantages that large carriers do not, including more responsive local customer service (you may talk to the actual technician who installed your equipment), more flexible plans tailored to rural needs, community investment since WISPs reinvest in local infrastructure, and faster deployment of new towers and equipment since they do not have the bureaucratic overhead of large corporations.
Fixed Wireless Installation Process
Fixed wireless installation is more involved than plugging in a 5G gateway but simpler than running cable or fiber to your home. Here is what to expect during the process.
Site Survey
Most WISPs begin with a site survey to determine if your location has adequate line-of-sight to their nearest tower. A technician will visit your property (or use satellite imagery) to identify the best mounting location for your antenna. Factors include clear line of sight to the tower, mounting height required to clear obstacles, distance from the tower (typically 5-15 miles maximum), and interference from other wireless equipment nearby.
Installation Day
Installation typically takes 2-4 hours and involves mounting an outdoor antenna on your roof, exterior wall, or a dedicated pole. The antenna is connected via an Ethernet cable to an indoor router or power-over-Ethernet (PoE) injector. The technician aligns the antenna for optimal signal, configures the network, and performs speed tests to verify performance.
Installation costs vary widely by WISP, ranging from free to $200 depending on the complexity of the install. Some WISPs require you to purchase the antenna equipment ($100-300), while others include it in your monthly rate. Always clarify equipment ownership and what happens if you cancel service.
After Installation
After installation, you should experience consistent performance unless environmental factors change (new tree growth blocking line of sight, tower maintenance, or weather events). Most WISPs provide remote monitoring and can proactively address issues before you notice them. If your speeds decrease over time, contact your WISP as they may need to realign your antenna or address a tower capacity issue.
The Future of Fixed Wireless
Fixed wireless technology is rapidly advancing, driven by new spectrum allocations, improved radio equipment, and significant federal investment through the BEAD program and USDA ReConnect grants.
Key trends shaping the future of fixed wireless include CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) expansion enabling WISPs to deliver 100-400 Mbps using licensed 3.5 GHz spectrum, Wi-Fi 7 point-to-point links achieving multi-gigabit speeds between towers and subscribers, integration of satellite backhaul with fixed wireless last-mile to reach the most remote locations, and BEAD funding enabling thousands of new tower deployments in underserved areas through 2028.
For rural communities, fixed wireless represents one of the most cost-effective paths to broadband access. While fiber offers the best long-term performance, the cost of deploying fiber to every rural home can be prohibitive. Fixed wireless can serve low-density areas at a fraction of fiber's deployment cost, making it a critical component of the national strategy to close the digital divide.
Comparing Fixed Wireless Technologies
Understanding the specific technology behind your fixed wireless connection helps you evaluate performance expectations and troubleshoot issues.
Licensed vs. Unlicensed Spectrum
Fixed wireless providers use both licensed and unlicensed radio spectrum, and the difference significantly affects your experience. Licensed spectrum (like CBRS at 3.5 GHz or carrier bands) provides guaranteed interference-free operation, predictable performance, and higher reliability. WISPs using licensed spectrum generally deliver more consistent speeds because no one else can transmit on their frequencies. Unlicensed spectrum (like the 5 GHz band used by Wi-Fi) is shared with other devices and providers, making it susceptible to interference and congestion. Many smaller WISPs use unlicensed spectrum because it does not require purchasing a license, which keeps costs down but may result in variable performance.
When evaluating a WISP, ask whether they use licensed or unlicensed spectrum. Licensed spectrum providers typically charge slightly more but deliver more reliable service, which is especially important for remote work and video conferencing.
Backhaul Capacity
A fixed wireless tower's performance depends not just on the wireless link to your home but also on its backhaul connection to the internet. Backhaul is the connection from the tower to the ISP's network backbone. If a tower serves 100 customers but has only 100 Mbps of backhaul, each customer effectively shares that limited capacity. Quality WISPs invest in fiber backhaul for their towers, providing gigabit or multi-gigabit capacity that ensures each subscriber gets the speeds they are paying for. Ask your WISP about their backhaul capacity if speeds seem lower than expected during busy hours.