Fixed Wireless CPE Record Highs Driven by 5G Rollouts in US and India

Record Highs in Fixed Wireless CPE Purchases

The ongoing expansion of 5G networks, particularly in the United States and India, is significantly boosting demand for Fixed Wireless Customer Premises Equipment (CPE). According to the latest report from Dell'Oro Group, a reputable market analysis firm focused on telecommunications, security, networks, and data centers, this trend has led to record-high sales in this segment of the broadband access market.

The Market Landscape

In the third quarter of 2025, global revenue for the Broadband Access equipment sector saw a decrease, totaling $4.5 billion, marking a 3% decline quarter-over-quarter and a 5% decrease year-over-year. Despite this overall decrease, Fixed Wireless CPE unit shipments have maintained a strong upward trajectory, especially as service providers increasingly cater to underserved cable customer bases in urban areas.

Jeff Heynen, Vice President at Dell'Oro Group, emphasized the impact of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), which has proven to be a steadfast bright spot in the market. He notes that while 5G Sub-6 GHz units are currently leading sales, there is a growing demand for millimeter-wave (mmWave) units in select regions, signifying a broader market adaptation to advanced technologies.

Record Growth in Residential Wi-Fi 7 Units

In addition to Fixed Wireless CPEs, the report highlighted a remarkable growth spike in the shipments of residential Wi-Fi 7 routers. This segment experienced a staggering 124% increase year-over-year, reaching record unit shipments driven largely by dual-band Wi-Fi 7 devices in China and other cost-sensitive markets. This surge illustrates a growing consumer interest in enhanced home networking solutions as households become increasingly reliant on robust internet connectivity.

Challenges in DOCSIS Infrastructure

Conversely, spending on DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) infrastructure suffered a significant drop of 31% year-over-year. This decline reflects the sluggish investments in Remote PHY Devices (RPDs) and a slowdown in acquiring new Remote OLT (R-OLT) modules and nodes, suggesting a transition in focus from traditional cable services towards more advanced and resilient wireless technologies.

Through its comprehensive report on Broadband Access and Home Networking, Dell'Oro Group provides crucial insights, including data on manufacturers' revenues, average selling prices, and unit shipments for key technologies such as DSL, PON (Passive Optical Network) equipment, and ultimately, Fixed Wireless CPE. This data is vital for stakeholders looking to navigate the evolving broadband landscape effectively.

Conclusion

As global telecommunications continue to adapt and evolve, Fixed Wireless CPE remains a pivotal element. The transition towards 5G technology in both the US and India is catalyzing significant changes in consumer behavior and market strategies, reflecting the urgent need for reliable broadband access in urbanized areas. For further inquiries regarding the report, stakeholders can reach out to Dell'Oro Group directly.

As we look ahead, the telecommunications industry must remain agile. The sustained interest in Fixed Wireless technology not only shows promise for the future of connectivity but also highlights the critical importance of innovation in meeting the global demand for faster and more dependable internet services.