Updated November 2026
The short version
- Fiber runs through a physical cable; fixed wireless uses a radio link and needs a clear line of sight.
- Fixed wireless avoids digging and building new cable, so it can be installed faster than new fiber.
- At 5x5, fixed wireless carries the same SLA as our fiber service, and the two work well together.
How fiber and fixed wireless work
Fiber carries data as light through glass strands in a cable that runs into your building. If the building is not already connected, the provider may need permits and construction to bring the cable in.
Fixed wireless sends internet by radio between the provider's equipment and an antenna on your building, then by cable to your network. It needs a clear line of sight between the two, but no cable in the street.
Fixed wireless vs fiber at a glance
- How it reaches you
- Fiber: A cable into the building
- Fixed wireless: A radio link to an antenna on the building
- What it needs
- Fiber: A fiber path to your building
- Fixed wireless: A clear line of sight
- Installation
- Fiber: Can take longer if new cable must be built
- Fixed wireless: No trenching, so it can be faster than new fiber
- Latency
- Fiber: Low
- Fixed wireless: Low
- SLA at 5x5
- Fiber: 99.999% for SLA-backed services
- Fixed wireless: The same SLA as our fiber service
- As a second connection
- Fiber: Shares the path of other wired lines
- Fixed wireless: Takes a different physical path
Installation and availability
Fiber is the obvious choice where it already reaches your building. Where it does not, a new fiber build can take a long time because of permits and construction. Fixed wireless needs no new cable, so it is often the quicker way to get an enterprise connection, as long as the antenna has a clear view.
At 5x5, our standard install takes days, not weeks or months, from contract to installation, and we confirm service at your building when we prepare your quote.
Reliability and SLAs
Both can be built for business-critical use. What matters most is the commitment behind the connection. For SLA-backed services, 5x5 commits to at least 99.999% network availability, subject to the SLA, and our fixed wireless carries the same SLA as our fiber service.
5x5 fixed wireless is a primary enterprise internet solution with low latency and built-in redundancy, so it is suitable for VoIP, video meetings and cloud apps.
Which should you choose?
Fiber is a good fit if
- Fiber already reaches your building
- You can wait if a new build is needed
- You want a wired primary connection
Fixed wireless is a good fit if
- Fiber is not in your building yet
- You need enterprise service quickly
- Your roof has a clear line of sight
Many businesses use both: fiber and fixed wireless take different physical paths, so if one line is cut by nearby construction, the other keeps you online. SD-WAN can route traffic across both connections automatically.
How 5x5 Telecom can help
5x5 Telecom offers business internet access, dedicated internet access and dedicated fiber, plus fixed wireless with the same SLA as our fiber service. 5G and 4G LTE are available as a permanent primary connection, a backup or service for temporary sites.
You get local service where you are, and our 24/7 US-based support team answers every ticket within 60 minutes. Send your address and we will recommend the right connection for your building.
Related services and guides
Fixed wireless internet
Primary enterprise internet with the same SLA as our fiber.
Enterprise internet
Dedicated internet, fiber, fixed wireless, and 5G and 4G LTE.
What is dedicated internet access?
How dedicated internet differs from broadband.
Managed SD-WAN
Use several connections together, with automatic failover.