You may have already heard of fixed wireless Internet. The technology has been a part of the NBN’s multi-technology mix (MTM) network in regional areas, where their FTTN, FTTP and HFC networks would be far too costly to install for geographical reasons.
But like the rest of their network, the NBN’s fixed wireless technology has also come under fire from the ACCC.
Many NBN Fixed Wireless customers are still facing congestion during the busy period, and many are not receiving anywhere near the maximum speeds advertised in their plans.
That’s why it’s understandable that you may not be fully aware of the positives fixed wireless Internet can offer when it’s delivered by a provider that not only specialises in the technology, but also owns their network. Keep reading to learn more about fixed wireless, including what it is, how it works – and why it’s the Internet your business needs.
What is fixed wireless Internet?
Instead of using a cable like ADSL and fibre broadband, fixed wireless brings the Internet signal to your office via radio waves. This means a radio dish (or ‘receiver’) is installed on the roof of your premises, which communicates with the nearest transmission site to provide you Internet access.
Your computer and other devices access the Internet in exactly the same way they would if you were connected via ADSL or fibre; through a router and Ethernet ports in your office. These are connected via internal wiring to your receiver on the roof – hence why it’s “fixed”.
The “fixed” aspect is an important distinction, as it means it’s not portable like your mobile service, and it’s using a completely different network.
Common myths about fixed wireless
Weather affects the signal
Rain, fog and other weather conditions have been known to affect fixed wireless Internet in the past, but as the technology has advanced, this issue has been mostly resolved. While extreme conditions can still have an impact at times, the myth here is that fixed wireless is more sensitive to it than other connection types. There are several types of antennas that can accommodate various weather conditions to ensure your service works reliably, whatever nature throws its way.
Difficult to obtain
Line of sight from your antenna to the base station is required for the service to work. While this is true, it doesn’t make it any more difficult to obtain than if you were checking whether there were ports available for an ADSL connection, or if fibre cable had been laid at your address.
Expensive
If you need to install an antenna, there is usually a set-up fee for fixed wireless. This may seem expensive in comparison to ADSL and NBN connection fees, however, if cable needs to be laid the prices are often much higher. Not to mention, the service you receive from fixed wireless is far superior – and well worth the fee.
What business benefits does fixed wireless offer?
Simpler install
When you choose fixed wireless, an antenna needs to be installed on the roof of your building, which is often easily accessible for technicians. Instead of months wasted laying cables under the street, your connection can be completed within a few short weeks (or less).
No downtime
As fixed wireless is an entirely separate technology from ADSL, NBN or fibre, there’s no downtime when switching over to it. Your existing fixed line connection can remain active even when your fixed wireless Internet is switched on, ensuring your business doesn’t miss a beat.
Redundancy
If you already have fibre installed, but your Internet needs to be ‘always on’, fixed wireless makes for an ideal Redundancy solution. If there are any issues with your primary network, fixed wireless can kick in and ensure you’re still connected.
Why choose Summit for fixed wireless Internet?
When you choose Summit Internet for fixed wireless, you’re choosing a provider who gets it. The NBN might not understand that super-fast Internet is a necessary service – but we do. That’s why we’re doing what we can to prove them wrong and deliver you the service your business needs.
Summit Internet allows you to enjoy super-fast symmetrical download and upload speeds without all the network congestion that comes with through-the-ground services. This means significantly lower latency, so your business can transfer data reliably and quickly. And if there are any issues, we’ve got you covered with enterprise-grade SLAs.
Want to know if you can get fixed wireless Internet? Get in touch with one of our specialists today.