Short answer
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 (RF) assessment, first from the desktop and then physically where required. Trees, buildings, terrain and lack of rooftop access can prevent delivery.
In detail
How FirstNet takes a microwave link from enquiry to live:
- Desktop assessment of line of sight and RF
- Physical survey at your site where required
- Confirmation of the mounting position, power and access
- Installation of an outdoor radio or antenna on a roof, wall or mast, plus an indoor router
- PRTG monitoring once the link is handed over
Once line of sight is confirmed, installation can follow within weeks. Microwave can be point-to-point or point-to-multipoint, and is delivered only through ICASA-licensed operators on approved spectrum with type-approved equipment.
If line of sight is not available, FirstNet moves on to fixed wireless, then LTE/5G, and finally LEO satellite, which needs a clear view of the sky rather than a line-of-sight relay to a tower.
Source: FirstNet Wireless Connectivity service page →
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