Overview

A wireless local loop (WLL) is a generic term for an access system that uses a wireless link to connect subscribers to their local exchange in place of conventional copper cabling. Wireless local loop also known as fixed wireless access (FWA), or simply fixed radio entails the use of analog or digital radio technology to provide telephone, facsimile and data services to business and residential subscribers. Depending on the existing telecommunications infrastructure, demand for services, and local market conditions, this technology can be both a substitute and a complement to copper wire in the local loop. WLL systems can help eliminate the backlog of orders for telephone service, which is estimated at over 50 million lines worldwide.

There are many WLL technologies operating in several radio frequencies and which adhere to different wireless standards. Most of them operate in a similar manner as cellular telephony, but WLL is fixed, not mobile. WLL systems provide rapid deployment of basic phone service in areas where the terrain or telecommunications development makes installation of traditional wireline service less attractive and less cost-effective. WLL systems can be easily integrated into the wireline public switched telephone network (PSTN) and can usually be deployed within a month of equipment delivery, far more quickly than traditional wireline installations which can take several months for initial deployment and years to grow capacity to meet the continually growing demand for communication services.

WLL systems also offer increased implementation and design flexibility. They can be used to provide first-line communication services...