Rather than dealing with wiring and cables to get access to the internet, fixed wireless internet uses radio signals from dedicated fixed locations. It provides fast speeds but doesn’t require a nest of cables or wires that need to be accessed. Check out all of the pros and cons of having fixed wireless internet:
Pros to Fixed Wireless Internet
- No Wires – As the name implies, there are no wires involved. This means that there are also no installation fees. Better yet, you don’t have to deal with managing and maintaining the clutter of cables in your home. Because it is wireless, there is more freedom in how you use the internet. Depending on the strength and quality of the signal, you can access the internet not only in your home but in your neighborhood and surrounding areas. You are free to move and live your life all while enjoying a quality connection to the internet.
- No Data Caps – Data caps are limitations put on customers about how much information they can access from the network. It is similar to phone networks where your plan gives you access to a specific amount of information. But, once you reach that cap, you either have to pay more or are unable to use the network. With fixed wireless internet, there are generally no data caps. Some providers might have some limitations, but those caps are typically very high.
- Fast Speeds – The download speed of a fixed wireless connection is just as fast, if not faster, than those you get from other broadband services. Depending on your provider and your location, customers can expect to see speeds anywhere from 10-50 Mbps. In some extreme cases, it is possible for fixed wireless internet to even provide up to 1,000 Mbps download speeds, which can rival fiberoptic service.
- Coverage in Rural Areas – Living in a rural area can oftentimes mean that you’re stuck with bad phone service and slow, unreliable internet. It can be daunting to consider the cost of cable internet because you will have to pay for the installation of miles of cable in some cases. But, fixed wireless internet can provide miles of coverage to anyone in range. This can give rural homes, farms, and communities the internet access they need.
- Fewer Latency Issues – Because the information that you are sending and receiving doesn’t have to be broadcasted to and from a satellite, there is lower latency, or lag, compared to satellite internet. In most cases, fixed wireless provides about the same latency that you would expect to see in a cable or DSL connection.
Cons to Fixed Wireless Internet
- Weather – The radio waves broadcasted by the fixed location can be weakened or even interrupted by rain, fog, and other weather conditions.
- Expensive – The cost of a fixed wireless internet connection tends to be higher than other forms of broadband.
- Location – The best service comes from being within the line of sight of the service tower. Because service is provided through radio waves, the same things that can stop radio waves can stop or weaken your internet connection. Terrain and physical obstructions like trees, hills, or buildings can reduce or stop service.
FirstDigital
There are always more options if you are looking to find a better internet service provider. FirstDigital can help you work with everything from Amazon Web Services to Coax Internet. If you’re looking for wireless internet connections, we provide a flexible connection at a lower cost that has great access and coverage.
FirstDigital residential services provide more than just the internet. With our package deals, you can bundle together your internet, phone, and TV for great savings without having to sacrifice on quality. There’s a reason we were ranked #1 in the Best in State award for telecommunication for three years! Find out more about how we can help you by contacting us today.