What is the Broadband Wireless Access?

Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) technologies provide broadband data access by wireless means to consumer and business markets.

The most common example of BWA is Wireless LAN, but efforts are intensively continuing to deliver ubiquitous broadband network access by deploying adequate radio technologies like Metropolitan Area Networks, 3G and Wireless LAN which can even be combined in one single device to ensure seamless operation.

Broadband Wireless Access is also an attractive option to Operators in areas that do not have a wired access network available. Savings in speed of deployment and in installation costs will ensure that interest in BWA Standards continues.

Wireless broadband access technologies refers to high-speed wireless access services that businesses can use to build metropolitan area networks or gain Internet access. These wireless services take the place of traditional TDM circuits.

Wireless access systems are usually owned by a service provider that operates within a metropolitan area. Services include Internet access for businesses, MTUs (multitenant units), and homes, as well as private LAN bridging in metro areas. The Wireless LANs covers enterprise wireless networking in which an enterprise owns and manages wireless systems used to interconnect its users and systems. Even shorter in range than wireless LANs are wireless PANs (personal area networks) that let nearby users create spontaneous networks.

Wireless broadband access systems have relatively high data rates and the target subscriber is often an entire enterprise rather than an individual subscriber. Broadband wireless systems can provide bandwidth that exceeds DSL and cable network technologies. Also, the traffic is data, although some of the fixed wireless systems use spectrum that was originally designated for one-way delivery of cable TV.

The advantage of wireless systems is obvious: there is no need to install cable or rely on existing copper infrastructure that may be inadequate for various reasons. International Data Corporation has estimated that fewer than 10 percent of the office buildings in the United States are reachable by fiber cable. Therefore, wireless access technologies should offer a large market opportunity.

India and Broadband Wireless Access

India’s Economic Survey for 2010-11 termed the introduction of third generation (3G) and broadband wireless access (BWA) technologies as the key frontiers of the growth of the telecom industry. The last five years have been transformational for Indian telecom industry; the next few years look even more exciting. One of the key new frontiers is 3G technology, said the annual report tabled by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in the Lok Sabha.

The auction of 3G and BWA spectrum has been successfully conducted. This will encourage further expansion of wireless services. Considering the growth of wireless telecom, the survey also said there are excellent opportunities for domestic and foreign investors in the manufacturing sector as well.

At present, most wireless core equipment is imported and there is great potential to manufacture these items in the country. The production of telecom equipments in value terms increased from Rs.48, 800 crore during 2008-09 to Rs.51, 000 crore during 2009-10. The worth of telecom equipment, including customer premises equipment produced during 2010-11, is expected to be about Rs.53, 500 crore. Exports of telecom equipment have also increased from Rs.11, 000 crore in 2008-09 to Rs.13,500 crore during 2009- 10 and are expected to increase to Rs.14,000 crore in 2010-11.

The survey also said there are still about 62,443 uncovered villages which would also be provided with village public telephone facility with subsidy support from universal service obligation fund. The total telephone subscribers’ base rose to 764.77 million at the end of November 2010 as against 76.54 million in 2004.

While the wireless telephone connections contributed to growth as their numbers rose from 35.62 million in March 2004 to 729.58 million at the end of November 2010. The wire line has shown a decline from 40.92 million in 2004 to 35.19 million in November 2010.