By Startup Story Team
India’s telecom giant Reliance Jio has achieved a major global milestone – it is now officially the world’s largest Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) service provider, overtaking the long-time global leader T-Mobile. This major development was highlighted in the Ericsson Mobility Report (June 2025 edition), which credits Jio’s aggressive rollout of 5G and its fast-growing subscriber base in India.
What is Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)?
Fixed Wireless Access, or FWA, is a broadband technology that delivers high-speed internet using 4G or 5G wireless networks – without the need for traditional fibre-optic cables. It allows users to enjoy fast internet by simply installing a small device at home or office, making it especially useful in areas where laying fibre is either difficult, expensive, or simply not feasible.
This technology has become a game-changer for internet access in remote, rural, and underserved areas, providing a viable alternative to wired broadband.
Jio’s Rapid Rise in the FWA Space:
As per the Ericsson report, Jio had over 10 million FWA subscribers by March 2025, placing it ahead of global players like T-Mobile, Verizon, and others. This number has been growing rapidly since Jio officially launched its JioAirFiber service in late 2023.
Jio’s strategy has been simple yet powerful – offer high-speed, affordable, and easy-to-install broadband to millions of Indian households, and do it fast. Within just over a year, JioAirFiber expanded to over 5,000 towns and cities across India.
What Makes JioAirFiber So Popular?
JioAirFiber is a plug-and-play solution – customers don’t need to wait for technicians to lay cables or dig up roads. The device is shipped to homes, and users can start using internet within minutes.
What’s more, JioAirFiber plans are affordable and bundled with added features like:
- OTT platform subscriptions (like JioCinema, Netflix, and others)
- Smart home solutions
- Video surveillance options
- Jio Set-Top Box with 550+ digital TV channels
This complete digital package makes it very attractive for Indian families looking for all-in-one connectivity without the hassle of wired setups.
India Leading Global FWA Growth:
The Ericsson Mobility Report predicts that global FWA connections will cross 330 million by 2029, with a significant chunk of that growth coming from India – led by Reliance Jio. The report notes that the Indian telecom market is now one of the fastest-growing FWA markets in the world.
Reliance Jio’s vision is to reach over 200 million Indian homes with JioAirFiber in the coming years, making high-speed internet a basic utility for everyone – not just urban elite.
Mission “Digital Freedom” for Every Indian:
Jio’s chairman Akash Ambani has repeatedly stated that the company’s mission is to provide digital freedom to every Indian, and FWA is a big part of that. The goal is simple – ensure that no home is left behind when it comes to reliable internet access.
Whether it’s a student attending online classes in a village, a family streaming shows in a small town, or a small business running digital operations – JioAirFiber is powering the digital lifestyle of India.
