Petroc Taylor
Research expert covering global developments in the use of data
Fixed-line telecoms - statistics & facts
While the world embraces the myriad of possibilities offered by 5G mobile networks and on-the-go connectivity, fixed networks continue to form the bedrock of the residential and business telecoms markets. Fixed broadband services are the sector’s core focus, offering the lightning quick speeds, low latency, and reliability required for the most demanding tasks, from online gaming and 4K streaming to video conferencing. Meanwhile, the fixed voice sector has continued to shrink, as consumers move away from landline telephone subscriptions.
Fixed broadband adoption shows no sign of slowing
A fixed broadband service can be delivered via a range of connection types, with traditional DSL connections using existing copper telephone lines, and newer fiber connections using fiber optic cables to achieve greater bandwidth. In residential use, fixed broadband is generally delivered to a wireless router, which enables multiple devices such as laptops, televisions, and gaming consoles to connect via Wi-Fi. Fixed broadband penetration continues to climb across the globe, with Europe registering over 36 subscriptions per 100 people. This has propelled global fixed data revenues to over 400 billion U.S. dollars per year, with the average revenue per paying user also following an upward trend.Fiber adoption drives sky high download speeds
The rollout of fiber broadband has dominated the industry over the past decade, with regulators and intergovernmental bodies seeking to facilitate adoption. Around four in ten broadband connections were classed as fiber across OECD countries in 2023, with around three in ten designated as DSL. South Korea was the OECD country with the highest fiber adoption, followed by Japan and Iceland. As a result, these countries rank among the 25 leading nations for fixed broadband speeds. Indeed, not all fiber connections are created equal. Fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) connections offer the best possible service, using fiber cables for the entire length of the connection, while other methods rely on copper cabling to relay a connection from the street to the home.5G FWA and satellite services become viable alternatives
Bringing fiber to rural areas remains a significant challenge for the coming decade. In particularly remote areas that lack fixed infrastructure, 5G FWA (fixed wireless access) technology is being posed as an effective solution, using mobile technology to provide stable broadband between two fixed locations. In other cases, satellite internet services such as those offered by SpaceX subsidiary Starlink are proving effective.
