Ask FirstNet about Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity. Licensed and managed
Licensed microwave, fixed wireless and LTE/5G for sites without fibre, for fast go-lives, and for backup links that don't share fibre's weak points.
Quick answers
Is wireless reliable enough for business?
It depends on the type. Licensed microwave is carrier-grade and consistent. Fixed wireless depends on coverage and capacity. LTE/5G is best-effort and varies with network load. In all cases we can add a diverse backup.
What's the difference between microwave and fixed wireless?
Microwave Broadband is a licensed point-to-point or point-to-multipoint radio link from a tower. Fixed wireless (FWA / Fixed 5G) is a packaged, contended service delivered over fixed 5G or approved partner platforms.
Can we get a static IP on LTE/5G?
Yes, as an option. We recommend it for VPN or remote access, because the default on mobile networks may be shared (CGNAT) dynamic addressing. Fixed wireless typically includes one static public IP.
Do fibre cuts or load-shedding affect LTE?
LTE/5G is not affected by fibre cuts or cable theft, which makes it a strong fibre backup. It can, however, be affected by tower power outages and local radio interference.
Access types
Three wireless options, one provider
Microwave Broadband
Licensed point-to-point or point-to-multipoint radio from a high site to your premises. Engineered fixed access, more consistent than mobile broadband, subject to line-of-sight survey.
Fixed Wireless (FWA / Fixed 5G)
Packaged fixed wireless for fixed sites. Typically asymmetric and uncapped, from 5–10 Mbps up to 100+ Mbps depending on technology and distance.
LTE/5G Wireless
Carrier-agnostic mobile broadband wherever there is signal. We select the best network per site, and higher speeds are possible on 5G.
When wireless fits
The right tool for the job
No fibre at a fixed site
Microwave leads, then fixed wireless, then LTE/5G.
Go live in days
LTE/5G is often live within a few working days, while a fixed primary follows.
Diverse backup
Microwave gives air-versus-trench diversity; LTE or FWA gives cost-effective failover for fibre.
Temporary and mobile sites
LTE/5G suits construction sites, pop-ups, vehicles and portable units.
Explore the details
Checked before we commitEvery wireless option is validated for your exact address before installation, because trees, buildings…
Feasibility
Checked before we commit
Every wireless option is validated for your exact address before installation, because trees, buildings, terrain and rooftop access can all affect delivery.
- Microwave: desktop and physical line-of-sight and RF assessment
- Fixed wireless: coverage and capacity check, indoor or outdoor unit confirmed
- LTE/5G: coverage maps or on-site signal test to pick the strongest network
Licensed by designDelivered only through ICASA-licensed network operators on approved spectrum · All routers and antennas…
Compliance
Licensed by design
- Delivered only through ICASA-licensed network operators on approved spectrum
- All routers and antennas are ICASA type-approved
- RICA registration handled for every SIM-based service
- No unlicensed Wi‑Fi bridging or grey-market satellite
Does weather affect microwave links?
Higher-frequency microwave links can be weather-sensitive. We account for this in the survey and design, and can pair microwave with another medium for resilience.
How fast is fixed wireless access (FWA / Fixed 5G)?
Fixed wireless speeds depend on the technology and distance from the site, with common profiles ranging from about 5–10 Mbps up to 100 Mbps or more. Services are typically asymmetric (faster download than upload) and often uncapped. FWA is a contended, best-effort fixed-site service, usually with an availability target of up to about 99% and next-business-day fault restoration as standard. A coverage and capacity check or site survey confirms what is achievable.
Does a microwave internet link need line of sight?
Yes. Microwave broadband is a licensed radio link from a high site or tower to your premises, so it always needs a line-of-sight and radio-frequency assessment, first from the desktop and then physically where required. Trees, buildings, terrain and lack of rooftop access can prevent delivery. Once line of sight is confirmed, installation can follow within weeks, using an outdoor radio or antenna on a roof, wall or mast plus an indoor router.
Which mobile network will our LTE/5G connection use?
FirstNet is carrier-agnostic for LTE/5G, so it selects the mobile network operator that offers the best signal and service quality at each site rather than defaulting to one network. Coverage is nationwide wherever LTE/5G signal is present. The service uses a RICA-registered SIM in a pre-configured, FirstNet-managed router, and speed profiles follow the underlying network plan, with higher speeds possible on 5G.
Do LTE/5G business internet services need RICA registration?
Yes. All SIM-based connectivity in South Africa must follow the Regulation of Interception of Communications Act (RICA), so you provide the required RICA documentation when ordering LTE/5G services. FirstNet handles the backend compliance and SIM activation, and the SIM is installed in a pre-configured, managed router so the service can often be live within a few working days.
Is there an uptime SLA on LTE/5G business internet?
No. LTE/5G mobile broadband is a best-effort service without a fixed uptime SLA, because performance varies with mobile network load and signal. FirstNet still supplies a business-grade managed router, optimises signal and monitors the link. LTE/5G is ideal for rapid go-live, temporary sites and failover; for a primary link with service levels, fibre or licensed microwave is preferred where feasible.
Can we get temporary wireless internet while our fibre is being installed?
Yes. LTE/5G can usually be deployed within days so a new site opens on time, while the fibre primary is built over the following weeks or months. Temporary wireless has a minimum six-month term, carries no SLA and is subject to coverage and landlord approval. Once the fibre is live it becomes the primary link, and the wireless service can be retained as a backup if you choose.
From the Knowledge Hub
In-depth answers about Wireless Connectivity
- Can FirstNet provide temporary wireless internet while our fibre is being installed?
- Is there an uptime SLA on FirstNet LTE/5G business internet?
- Do FirstNet LTE/5G business internet services need RICA registration?
- Which mobile network will our FirstNet LTE/5G business connection use?
- Does a FirstNet microwave internet link need line of sight?
- How fast is FirstNet fixed wireless access (FWA / Fixed 5G)?
Your place in the stack
Connectivity is layer 1 of 5.
Enriched by Sovereign AI Reach the AI Factory over FirstNet’s own network, with a direct, low-latency path that stays on South African soil. Explore the AI Factory →
Bring us a problem.
We’ll show you the stack that solves it.
Ask FirstNet for an instant answer, or leave your details in the chat and the right specialist will contact you.