ZTE boosts 5G FWA speeds with AI-powered devices that are redefining home internet performance. The new G5 Ultra CPE…
How AI Powers ZTE’s 5G FWA Speed Boost
Open RAN and FWA Take Center Stage at MWC
While much of the spotlight at MWC has been on telco AI, cutting-edge devices, and quantum computing—along with operator CEOs voicing regulatory frustrations—Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) continues to make significant strides. The technology is not only thriving but also evolving with advanced features.
One notable development comes from Orex Sai, a joint venture between NTT DoCoMo and NEC, which has signed an agreement with Indonesia’s Surge to deploy an Open RAN-based 5G network. The collaboration aims to deliver affordable internet servicesaffordable internet services via FWA.
Meanwhile, ZTE seized the MWC stage to unveil three new AI-powered 5G FWA and MBB devices, all built on Qualcomm’s Dragonwing FWA Gen 3 platform. True to typical vendor enthusiasm, ZTE claims these products are either the world’s first or fastest of their kind—adding yet another layer of innovation to the expanding FWA landscape.
ZTE Unveils Cutting-Edge 5G FWA Devices as Market Expands
At MWC, ZTE showcased its latest AI-powered 5G-Advanced FWA lineup, reinforcing its position in the global market. Leading the pack is the G5 Ultra CPE, boasting peak speeds of 19 Gbps—more than enough for high-bandwidth applications like 4K streaming, online gaming, and remote work.
Complementing the G5 Ultra are two other innovations:
– The G5 Max Wi-Fi, a dual-band (sub-6GHz + mmWave) home broadband device delivering up to 10 Gbps.
– The U60 Pro, a portable 5G mobile Wi-Fi hotspot with speeds reaching 3.6 Gbps
All three devices are powered by Qualcomm’s Dragonwing FWA Gen 3 platform, further solidifying ZTE’s push for faster, smarter connectivity solutions.
ZTE’s Dominance in the FWA Market
The company claims to hold the largest market share in FWA and MBB equipment for the past four years—though it hasn’t disclosed specific figures. However, with 38% growth in shipments and over 250 million devices sold across 130 operators in 100 countries, ZTE’s influence in the sector is undeniable.
As 5G adoption accelerates, FWA is emerging as a critical broadband alternative, particularly in regions where traditional fixed-line deployments are impractical. This trend bodes well for ZTE and other players in the space.
Open RAN Gains Momentum with Indonesia’s Affordable Internet Push
Further evidence of FWA’s growing importance comes from Orex Sai (a joint venture between NTT DoCoMo and NEC) and Indonesia’s Surge, who announced a partnership to build an Open RAN-based 5G FWA network.
The collaboration supports Indonesia’s Affordable Internet Program, a government initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide by delivering high-speed connectivity to underserved areas.
Shannedy Ong, Director of Surge, emphasized the project’s significance:
“This agreement is a major step toward providing affordable, high-quality internet—starting at IDR 100,000 (≈$6.40) for speeds up to 100 Mbps—to all Indonesians. By leveraging Orex Sai’s Open RAN technology, we can build a scalable, future-proof network for rural and remote communities.”*
Deployment Timeline: Fast-Tracked Rollout
– Mid-2024: Field trials begin with initial site deployments.
– Late 2024: Pre-commercial phase expands to hundreds of sites.
– Early 2026: Full-scale commercialization kicks off, targeting 20,000+ sites by 2030.
FWA: The Unsung Hero of 5G
While flashier 5G (and future 6G) applications dominate headlines, FWA is proving its worth as a practical, scalable broadband solution—especially in markets where fiber or cable infrastructure is lacking. With vendors like ZTE innovating and operators worldwide embracing the technology, FWA’s growth trajectory shows no signs of slowing.
For now, the message is clear: FWA may not be the most glamorous 5G use case, but it’s one of the most impactful.
