Many Internet Service Providers are concerned with the immediate viability and payback of 5G. Several negative perceptions of the technology, including that it is both complex and expensive to deploy, reign in the industry. However, unlicensed mmWave Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology is an option which could provide a cost-effective, stable and fibre-level alternative to solve the UK’s last mile issue.

Here are some of the quick-fire take-aways from our Myths Around the Last Mile piece, which discussed the perceived challenges of 5G implementation:

“mmWave FWA is complex to deploy”

Modern mmWave technology is electrically self-aligning and optimising. This seamless and robust installation process is a stark contrast to earlier generations of the technology, which required time-consuming installation and costly maintenance.

“Gbit FWA is expensive”

Blu Wireless’s technology is wireless, meaning expensive dig costs can be avoided. mmWave units can also be easily and affordably deployed on lampposts, which are owned by councils.

 “Line of Sight connections are vulnerable”

Obstructed links can be overcome through additional mmWave units, allowing the connection to bend around blockages. Software-controlled self-organising network (SON) technology, which can recalibrate to use the best possible path for traffic, also makes mmWave technology flexible to transitory and seasonal blockages.

“mmWave technology does not support Carrier Grade connections”

Blu Wireless’s mmWave technology has been designed to provide low-cost provide carrier-grade backhaul to 4G or 5G small cells. As a result, Internet Service Providers are able to offer ‘neutral hosting’ to mobile operators for either addressing ‘not spots’ or facilitating the deployment of ultra-dense small cells or Wi-Fi hotspots, ensuring better coverage for everyone.

“We’ve invested in 4G, 5G will make it obsolete”

 Just as 3G connections have remained in the 4G age, 4G will remain as 5G connections become more mainstream. In the short and medium term, mmWave technology can even be leveraged to improve 4G connections, as well as improving broadband connections for UK residents, who have largely missed out on fibre-level connections.