Wireless Broadband Service Provider Optimism Reaches an All-Time High Despite Lingering Pandemic and Economic Uncertainty

Rhea-AI Summary

Cambium Networks (NASDAQ: CMBM) has reported a significant increase in optimism among wireless broadband service providers, with 81% expressing confidence in the future, up from 71% in 2020. This fifth annual global survey highlighted the adaptability of service providers in meeting the growing demand for connectivity, especially in urban areas. Challenges identified include 31% citing funding issues and 29% facing RF spectrum availability. The planned availability of new 6 GHz spectrum in 2022 presents growth opportunities for the industry.

Positive

• 81% of wireless broadband service providers are optimistic about their future, up from 71% in 2020.
• Service providers are expanding into urban and suburban markets, increasing urban coverage from 15% to 18%.
• The anticipated 6 GHz spectrum availability in 2022 is expected to drive growth opportunities.
• 22% are adding residential Wi-Fi services, expanding their service offerings.

Negative

• 31% of respondents identified funding and financing as the top challenge for growth.
• 29% face challenges related to RF spectrum availability.

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Nov. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite the unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainty in the economic climate, optimism among wireless broadband service providers is at a record high, according to a survey released today by Cambium Networks (NASDAQ: CMBM), a leading global provider of wireless networking solutions. For the first time, more than four out of every five wireless broadband service providers (81%) report that they are either more or equally optimistic about the future, up from 71% in 2020 and 61% in 2019.

The global study, Cambium Networks' fifth annual survey, was conducted between July and August 2021 and gathered insights from providers of high-speed connectivity across 23 countries. The detailed survey explored a range of topics to assess service providers' ability to meet increased customer demand for video, data, voice, and IT services to remain competitive.

The details of the survey show that wireless broadband service providers are fundamentally confident in their ability to acquire and retain satisfied business and residential customers by offering reliable service at reasonable prices, comfortable being early adopters of wireless technology; and able to make the most of new spectrum - including Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) in the United States and 60 GHz frequency band globally.

"Wireless service providers remain resilient, with an unwavering ability to rapidly adapt to changes in demand and technology and strong commitment to satisfy their customers by providing reliable service at competitive prices," said Scott Imhoff, senior vice president of product management at Cambium Networks. "By capitalizing on new opportunities in suburban and rural areas, while still serving their satisfied base in rural areas, they continue to drive the industry forward and create stronger, more connected communities."

While wireless broadband service providers historically excel in rural residential services, the study showed that these operators are becoming equally adept at providing connectivity in urban and suburban applications, especially with 28 and 60 GHz millimeter wave technology trials and early deployments coming online in 2021. While 44% provide coverage in rural areas, coverage in urban areas climbed from 15% to 18%. Nearly a quarter (24%) provide services across an even split of urban, suburban and rural communities.

The planned 2022 availability of new 6 GHz spectrum also is seen as an exciting opportunity for expansion, with all respondents reporting that they are developing plans to capitalize on it to better meet the needs of increasing demand for connectivity.

In addition, wireless broadband service providers continue to expand their service offerings to grow their business, with 22% adding residential Wi-Fi, 14% adding outdoor hotspots, and 3% now offering mobile services. At the same time, the focus on some service offerings that saw growth in 2020 declined in 2021, including managed Wi-Fi (16%), voice (16%), IT support (12%) and video surveillance (11%).

Among the challenges facing wireless broadband service providers, funding and financing continues to rank highest, with 31% seeing it as an obstacle for growth. RF spectrum availability followed closely (29%).

"As we look ahead to 2022 and 6 GHz frequency bands become available, there will be a rapid and efficient use of RF spectrum," continued Imhoff. "We expect these service providers to seize this opportunity for growth by offering more turnkey services to enterprise, industrial and municipal markets while extending services for home office applications."

The full results of the study can be found here.

Cambium Networks' wireless fabric portfolio of solutions are available through a global network of partners.

About Cambium Networks 
Cambium Networks delivers wireless communications that work for businesses, communities, and cities worldwide. Millions of our radios are deployed to connect people, places and things with a unified wireless fabric that spans multiple standards and frequencies of fixed wireless and Wi-Fi, all managed centrally via the cloud. Our multi-gigabit wireless fabric offers a compelling value proposition over traditional fiber and alternative wireless solutions. We work with our Cambium certified ConnectedPartners to deliver purpose-built networks for service provider, enterprise, industrial, and government connectivity solutions in urban, suburban, and rural environments, with wireless that just works.

Media Contact:
Dave Reddy
Big Valley Marketing for Cambium
+1 (650) 868-4659
dreddy@bigvalley.co 

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SOURCE Cambium Networks

FAQ

What is the current optimism level among Cambium Networks' service providers?

According to the latest survey, 81% of wireless broadband service providers are optimistic about the future.

What challenges do wireless broadband service providers face according to Cambium Networks?

The challenges include funding issues (31%) and RF spectrum availability (29%).

What new opportunities are expected for Cambium Networks in 2022?

The availability of new 6 GHz spectrum is seen as a significant growth opportunity in 2022.

How has urban coverage changed for wireless broadband service providers?

Urban coverage has increased from 15% to 18% among service providers.