Jio’s 5G wireless broadband ramp-up to benefit Airtel also, say analysts

Bharti Airtel, which has been expressing concern over the higher cost of 5G wireless broadband or fixed wireless access (FWA) equipment, is expected to benefit with Jio ramping up to launch Jio AirFiber, its FWA device for home broadband, according to analysts.

The reason cited by analysts for Airtel benefiting from Jio’s fast approach towards FWA is the possible economies of scale, which will reduce the price of FWA equipment.

“Though Bharti states that higher CPE cost of FWA vs FTTH (fibre-to-the-home) is a dampener, we believe that Jio’s focus on ramping up FWA during FY24 may result in a sharp fall in FWA CPE (consumer premises equipment) due to economies of scale.