AT&T Gives Business Customers Fixed Wireless 5G Options

Business customers can now enjoy fixed wireless 5G solutions from AT&T.

AT&T just announced the addition of fixed 5G wireless solutions to its business broadband network. The carrier will offer fixed wireless routers from Cradlepoint and Sierra Wireless.

Mo Katibeh, chief product and platform officer for AT&T Business, said the new offerings will further support companies in a socially distanced world that requires “enterprise-grade work-from-everywhere collaboration.”

AT&T’s Mo Katibeh

“We’re excited to build on the first, true nationwide business-focused broadband network with fixed wireless 5G connectivity. It’s the ideal solution for businesses to continue to innovate, serve their customers and enable employees to efficiently and effectively work — even when they can’t walk down the hall to someone else’s office,” Katibeh said.

AT&T channel executives have frequently spoken about fixed wireless broadband as a key pillar of the company’s 5G strategy. In 2019, the then-AVP of enterprise mobility solutions said customers want to consume wireless as more than a backup options.

Customers can access those options as soon as April. AT&T Wireless Broadband does not charge for overages.

AT&T and Cradlepoint last year expanded their relationship to deliver Cradlepoint’s wireless edge solutions under AT&T billing. Kathryn Weldon, GlobalData‘s research director, credited AT&T for its strength in the global enterprise mobility services market.

“AT&T continues its investment in the breadth, densification and technical capabilities in mobile security, device management and end-to-end gigabit connectivity options for businesses looking to transform to match today’s environment,” Weldon said.

AT&T’s business fiber network serves more than 2.5 million locations. Customers can benefit from fixed and wireless solutions and reach speeds that exceed that of cable, the company said.

End-User Perspective

Multiple customers chimed in on how the solutions will help them. Gaylor Electric, an Indiana-based contractor, needs agile technology to complete time-sensitive construction projects across the country.

“While working in our trailers at these construction sites across the country, quick service turn-up, reliability and flexibility, without overage costs, are hugely important,” said Joe Meadors, Gaylor’s vice president of information services. “The lower latency and higher bandwidth that will come with AT&T Wireless Broadband using 5G will be perfect for keeping us connected on the job sites.”

Shailesh Prakash, The Washington Post‘s chief information officer, pointed to how AT&T’s technology makes the newspaper’s team more productive.

“At The Washington Post, we value being forward-looking especially when it comes to new ways to think about news gathering, production and immersive storytelling. As our staff works outside of the office, even in remote areas, it’s critical that we have fast and reliable technology tools, such as wireless connectivity and 5G capabilities, to keep our teams connected and to ensure our readers can be quickly informed,” Prakash said.

We wrote earlier this week about AT&T’s new managed SASE offering.