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1. T. Smura, Techno-economic analysis of IEEE 802.16a-based fixed wireless access networks, Master's thesis, Helsinki University of Technology, 2004 (bib)

   Abstract: The popularity of broadband Internet access services has increased significantly among the Finnish households during the past few years. At the same time, the development of wireless technologies has been rapid. As a result of these trends, fixed wireless access (FWA) networks have been proposed as a possible competitor to other broadband access technologies, such as digital subscriber line (DSL) systems. Recently published technical standards from IEEE and ETSI are expected to improve the position of FWA networks as an alternative access technology. Certified interoperability, lower prices, non-line-of-sight capabilities, and customer-installable end-user terminals are hoped to fix the major problems of earlier generations of FWA systems. In the thesis, a techno-economic analysis was carried out to determine the feasibility and competitiveness of IEEE 802.16a-based FWA networks in providing broadband Internet access to residential customers. A techno-economic framework and tool developed in several European research projects was applied to analyze the networks. The results from the analysis show that the cost structure of FWA networks is not currently competitive with DSL in densely populated urban and suburban areas. This results from the high equipment prices and relatively low coverage and range of the networks. In the future, however, FWA networks will provide access also for portable and mobile terminals, making the business case more favorable.