Fixed wireless access (FWA) is set to accelerate its foothold in New Zealand’s broadband market, rising on the strength of 5G adoption and the gradual retreat of copper networks. This shift marks a pivotal inflection point for nationwide connectivity, signaling expanding opportunities for cost-efficient deployments, wider rural reach, and a more resilient fixed broadband ecosystem shaped by wireless-led growth,  saccording to GlobalData, the data and analytics company.

GlobalData’s New Zealand Fixed Communications Forecast (Q3-2025) reveals that FWA lines are projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7 per cent from 2025 to 2030. By the end of the period, FWA is expected to account for 27 per cent of all fixed broadband access lines, solidifying its role as a key pillar of the national broadband mix alongside the country’s extensive fiber footprint.

Neha Mishra, Telecom Analyst at GlobalData, commented: “FWA will gain popularity as a broadband technology of choice for underserved rural areas and even in urban areas where deploying fiber infrastructure remains expensive and time-consuming. The widespread availability of 4G networks and the ongoing expansion of 5G networks, which enable faster and more reliable wireless broadband to homes and businesses will also favour growth.”

The government’s move to deregulate and progressively retire the legacy copper network (targeted by 2030) will further accelerate the shift towards alternative broadband technologies like fixed wireless access lines and satellite-based broadband.

As copper usage continues to decline and fiber expansion remains selective, FWA is well positioned to pocket a larger share of the broadband market with its lower deployment costs, faster rollouts, and ability to extend high-speed connectivity to hard-to-reach areas, supporting New Zealand’s broader digital inclusion goals.

Mishra concluded: “New Zealand’s expanding FWA market creates meaningful growth opportunities for telcos in enabling faster, lower-cost broadband expansion beyond fiber-heavy urban footprints. With improving 4G/5G network performance and rising demand for flexible connectivity, operators can target rural households, SMEs, and temporary users with scalable wireless home/business broadband plans.”

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Categories: 5G, Articles, Broadband, Markets, Research

Tags: 5G, FWA, globaldata, new zealand