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Fixed Wireless is a type of wireless internet commonly available as a rural internet solution. Unlike cable, DSL, or fiber, fixed wireless internet does not require access to a wired network. Instead, it transmits data over radio waves, so all you need is an antenna to connect to it. 5G home internet is a type of fixed wireless that delivers internet service via 5G or 4G LTE cellular networks. Although availability is address-specific, 5G home internet is a fast, affordable fixed wireless option that is expanding in fringe and rural areas.
Fixed wireless delivers home internet over the air, not through buried cables.
5G home internet is a type of fixed wireless (FWA – fixed wireless access) that uses 4G LTE and 5G cellular towers to power a home gateway.
It’s one of the best options for rural and fringe areas. Traditional fixed wireless usually requires line-of-sight, while 5G home internet can be easier to set up and doesn’t require direct line-of-sight, but availability in rural areas is limited.
Expect broadband speeds with better latency than satellite in many cases. Download speeds can be 25–300 Mbps and upload speeds are between 5–50 Mbps, and latency averages 15–50 ms, which is sufficient for streaming, video calls, and everyday gaming,
Speed is often more consistent than cable at peak hours depending on the signal quality. Fixed wireless isn’t affected by other users the same way cable can be, but weather and obstructions between your home and the tower and antenna can still impact speeds and reliability.
Pricing is competitive, but data policies vary. Some providers have data caps or and can throttle speeds once a cap is exceeded or to manage network conditions.
If you live in a rural or remote area where few internet options exist, then fixed wireless might be a suitable solution for you. In some cases, it and satellite internet may be your only options. Fixed wireless requires line-of-sight between your antenna and the transmitter. If this is the case for your location, then fixed wireless internet might be a viable option for you. 5G home internet is ideal in areas with strong 5G coverage. It doesn’t require a direct line of sight to the tower, is simple to set up, and is an affordable high-speed internet option that is expanding quickly, even into some rural locations.
It is fast, reliable, and flexible
Installation and use are quick and easy
5G home internet access is expanding
Connectivity requires line-of-sight
Service is “fixed” to your home
| Provider | Starting Price | Max Download | Max Upload | Data Caps | Find Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | $60.00/mo – $35/mo. | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | No | Check Availability |
| Rise Broadband | $30.00/mo | 400 Mbps | Check Availability | ||
| Verizon | $35.00/mo – $50/mo. | 1 Gbps | 880 Mbps | No | Check Availability |
| Starry Internet | $30.00/mo | 500 Mbps | 50 Mbps | Check Availability |
| Provider | AT&T |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $60.00/mo – $35/mo. |
| Max Download | 1000 Mbps |
| Max Upload | 1000 Mbps |
| Data Caps | No |
| Check Availability | |
| Provider | Rise Broadband |
| Starting Price | $30.00/mo |
| Max Download | 400 Mbps |
| Max Upload | |
| Data Caps | |
| Check Availability | |
| Provider | Verizon |
| Starting Price | $35.00/mo – $50/mo. |
| Max Download | 1 Gbps |
| Max Upload | 880 Mbps |
| Data Caps | No |
| Check Availability | |
| Provider | Starry Internet |
| Starting Price | $30.00/mo |
| Max Download | 500 Mbps |
| Max Upload | 50 Mbps |
| Data Caps | |
| Check Availability | |
Pricing, speeds, offers, and availability vary by service address and are subject to change at any time. Additional fees, taxes, and terms may apply. As of 12/11/2025.
Fixed wireless brings broadband internet to areas with only a few options. It’s built on stable and reliable radio wave technology, offering ample bandwidth and avenues for future development. As 5G home internet expands, fixed wireless internet will become a more accessible broadband internet option for rural areas.
Fixed wireless is most similar to satellite internet in functionality and has speeds comparable to DSL internet. If it’s available, fixed wireless is one of the best options for those in rural areas. It does bridge the digital divide with broadband internet, but it is considerably slower than cable internet and fiber internet. And if you compare prices and speeds between fixed wireless and cable and fiber, you’ll see that you’re paying a significant amount for a slower service.
| Internet Type | Starting Price (typical) | Max Download (typical peak) | Latency (typical) | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed Wireless | $35-$70+/mo | 25-300 Mbps (provider and tower-dependent) | 10-50 ms | Regional/tower-based; strongest in rural/suburban edges. |
| DSL | $55+/mo | Up to 100 Mbps (VDSL2; distance-dependent) | 11-40 ms | Legacy copper; shrinking in many cities, still common in some rural areas. |
| Fiber | $50-$70+/mo | 1-5+ Gbps (select markets up to 8 Gbps) | 10-12 ms | Expanding, strongest in metro/suburban areas; check address. |
| Cable | $30-$70+/mo | 1-2 Gbps tiers common (DOCSIS 3.1) | 13-27 ms | Very wide footprint across the U.S. |
| 5G Home Internet | $30-$60/mo | 133-415 Mbps typical (some addresses higher) | 17-32 ms typical | Growing; availability varies by carrier signal and congestion. |
| Satellite (LEO & GEO) | $40-$120+/mo | LEO 45-280 Mbps; GEO up to 100-150 Mbps | LEO 25-60 ms; GEO 500-800 ms | Near-universal (requires clear sky view). |
| Internet Type | Fixed Wireless |
|---|---|
| Starting Price (typical) | $35-$70+/mo |
| Max Download (typical peak) | 25-300 Mbps (provider and tower-dependent) |
| Latency (typical) | 10-50 ms |
| Availability | Regional/tower-based; strongest in rural/suburban edges. |
| Internet Type | DSL |
| Starting Price (typical) | $55+/mo |
| Max Download (typical peak) | Up to 100 Mbps (VDSL2; distance-dependent) |
| Latency (typical) | 11-40 ms |
| Availability | Legacy copper; shrinking in many cities, still common in some rural areas. |
| Internet Type | Fiber |
| Starting Price (typical) | $50-$70+/mo |
| Max Download (typical peak) | 1-5+ Gbps (select markets up to 8 Gbps) |
| Latency (typical) | 10-12 ms |
| Availability | Expanding, strongest in metro/suburban areas; check address. |
| Internet Type | Cable |
| Starting Price (typical) | $30-$70+/mo |
| Max Download (typical peak) | 1-2 Gbps tiers common (DOCSIS 3.1) |
| Latency (typical) | 13-27 ms |
| Availability | Very wide footprint across the U.S. |
| Internet Type | 5G Home Internet |
| Starting Price (typical) | $30-$60/mo |
| Max Download (typical peak) | 133-415 Mbps typical (some addresses higher) |
| Latency (typical) | 17-32 ms typical |
| Availability | Growing; availability varies by carrier signal and congestion. |
| Internet Type | Satellite (LEO & GEO) |
| Starting Price (typical) | $40-$120+/mo |
| Max Download (typical peak) | LEO 45-280 Mbps; GEO up to 100-150 Mbps |
| Latency (typical) | LEO 25-60 ms; GEO 500-800 ms |
| Availability | Near-universal (requires clear sky view). |
Between hidden fees and price hikes, finding the right internet plan can feel overwhelming. To help with your search, our team of internet experts evaluates ISPs on categories including performance, affordability, and customer satisfaction to provide you with the best options near you.
Yes. To connect to a fixed wireless network, you will need to have an antenna. Most providers offer installation to ensure that your antenna is properly aligned with the best line of sight possible.
While many areas have access to fixed wireless technology, there are still some places where it’s not available due to factors such as distance from the nearest tower, terrain, and local regulations. Check with local internet providers to determine if fixed wireless internet is available in your area.
Unlike shared connections, such as cable internet, fixed wireless is not affected by other users. However, severe weather and obstructions between your antenna and the tower can affect internet speed and connectivity.
Yes. Fixed wireless provides enough speed and bandwidth to support simultaneous connections by multiple devices, though it varies by provider.
Yes. 5G home internet is a type of fixed wireless internet, also called fixed wireless access (FWA). Instead of using a wired connection like cable or fiber internet, it delivers internet over 4G LTE and 5G cellular networks from nearby towers to a modem or gateway in your home. The main difference from traditional fixed wireless is that 5G home internet uses mobile network infrastructure rather than a dedicated point-to-point radio link, but both are considered fixed wireless because the connection is tied to your physical address.
