Updated October 2026 · For businesses comparing internet options
Fixed wireless internet delivers business-grade connectivity by radio instead of cable. A small antenna on your building links directly to a provider’s tower or rooftop site, creating a dedicated connection without trenching, construction or a phone line.
Here is how it works, what it does well, where it has limits and how to tell whether it is right for your business.
- Fixed wireless sends internet by radio between two fixed points.
- It can reach up to 10 Gbps with low latency.
- Installation usually takes days, not months.
- It works well as a primary connection or as backup to fiber.
How Fixed Wireless Works
- The provider runs a high-capacity network of tower and rooftop sites.
- A small radio is mounted on your roof or wall, aimed at the nearest site.
- The two radios form a dedicated, point-to-point link.
- A cable from the radio connects to your router inside.
Fixed Wireless vs Satellite and 5G
Fixed wireless is often confused with satellite or cellular service. Unlike satellite, the signal travels a short distance to a nearby site, so latency is very low. Unlike cellular 5G, the radios are aimed at each other and the capacity is reserved for your business rather than shared with phones in the area.
The Benefits for Business
- Fast installation: often within days.
- High speed: up to 10 Gbps, symmetrical.
- Low latency: excellent for voice and video.
- No construction: no trenching or permits for cable.
- Path diversity: a natural backup to fiber because it avoids buried cable.
- Scalable: upgrade speed by changing equipment, not digging.
Limits to Know
- It needs a clear line of sight to the provider’s site.
- Very heavy precipitation can briefly reduce capacity on some frequencies; professional design accounts for this.
- Availability depends on the provider’s network coverage.
Is Fixed Wireless Right for You?
| Situation | Fit |
|---|---|
| No fiber in the building | Excellent |
| Need to open quickly | Excellent |
| Want backup for fiber | Excellent |
| Blocked view in every direction | Limited |
Fixed Wireless vs Fiber vs Cable
| Fixed wireless | Fiber | Cable | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 10 Gbps | Up to 1 Tbps | Shared, varies |
| Upload | Symmetrical | Symmetrical | Much lower |
| Install time | Days | Weeks to months | Days to weeks |
| Construction | None | Often | Sometimes |
What Installation Looks Like
- Availability check against the provider’s network map.
- Site survey to confirm line of sight and mounting location.
- Radio mounted on your roof or wall.
- Single cable run to your equipment room.
- Link aligned, tested and turned up, usually the same day.
Because there is no trenching, landlords usually approve fixed wireless quickly, and the equipment can be removed cleanly if you move.
Who Uses Fixed Wireless
- Offices and storefronts without fiber.
- Warehouses and industrial sites outside fiber routes.
- Parking operators and outdoor venues.
- Businesses that need a backup path for fiber.
- Temporary sites and new locations that need to open quickly.
Fixed Wireless in Detroit and Michigan
Cronus has run its own fixed wireless network from Detroit rooftops since 2008, reaching businesses across the city and suburbs with speeds up to 10 Gbps and 24/7 local monitoring. As a local fixed wireless provider, we handle the survey, installation and support ourselves.
See if fixed wireless reaches your building
Most availability checks take one business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is fixed wireless internet?
Fixed wireless is business internet delivered by radio between an antenna on your building and the provider’s tower or rooftop site, without cable or phone lines.
Is fixed wireless reliable?
Yes. Professionally designed fixed wireless links are highly reliable and are often used as both primary connections and backup to fiber.
How fast is fixed wireless?
Business fixed wireless can reach up to 10 Gbps with symmetrical speeds and low latency.
Does weather affect fixed wireless?
Normal rain and snow have little effect on a properly designed link. Very heavy storms can briefly reduce capacity on some frequencies.
