- Global fixed broadband connections reached over 1.56 billion, with fibre continuing to dominate but slower than newer wireless alternatives.
- Fixed wireless (especially 5G FWA) and satellite broadband are expanding rapidly, challenging traditional last‑mile broadband models.
What happened: broadband subscriptions grow as technology mix shifts
Global fixed broadband subscriptions rose to approximately 1.56 billion in Q3 2025, according to recent industry tracking, with fibre networks maintaining a majority share of connections worldwide. The increase reflects continued investment in full‑fibre infrastructure and the high penetration of fixed broadband services in many developed markets.
However, the broader landscape is changing. Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and satellite broadband services—long considered niche—are growing faster than traditional fixed lines. For instance, FWA broadband offerings, particularly those based on 5G technology, have seen strong year‑on‑year subscriber rises in major markets. Satellite broadband has also expanded, with companies like Starlink reporting millions of users and contributing significantly to global growth figures.
While the absolute base for FWA and satellite remains small relative to fixed lines, the rate of growth shows these technologies are increasingly part of the broadband mix. Operators are leveraging 5G spectrum to provide FWA in regions where laying fibre is difficult or costly, and satellite networks are targeting remote and underserved areas otherwise off the grid.
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Why it’s important
The fixed broadband base expanding to 1.56 billion subscribers confirms that fibre networks remain central to global connectivity strategy. Fibre typically delivers superior speeds, reliability and capacity—attributes that are increasingly important as data‑intensive applications (such as video streaming, cloud services, and IoT) proliferate.
Yet the faster growth of FWA and satellite broadband highlights how competition at the last mile is evolving. For consumers and service providers, this shift has practical implications: wireless broadband can arrive faster and at a lower initial cost, and satellite can reach areas where terrestrial infrastructure is unviable. These characteristics make them attractive alternatives in rural, remote, or developing regions.
Nonetheless, questions remain about comparisons in quality and long‑term scalability. Fibre networks generally support higher symmetrical speeds and lower latency than most FWA and satellite systems, which can affect suitability for certain enterprise and high‑performance use cases. Additionally, continued rapid growth in wireless segments may influence operators’ investment decisions and regulatory policy, reshaping broadband markets and competition strategies in the years ahead.
