Reliance Jio, India’s telecom giant, is on the verge of a historic milestone: becoming the world’s largest fixed wireless access (FWA) provider, overtaking US-based T-Mobile. This achievement highlights Jio’s rapid growth in broadband connectivity, fueled by its aggressive 5G rollout and innovative solutions like Jio AirFiber.
Fixed wireless access is a technology that delivers high-speed broadband internet to homes and businesses using cellular networks primarily 4G and 5G rather than traditional fiber or cable. FWA is especially valuable in regions where laying physical cables is challenging or cost-prohibitive, making it a game-changer for expanding internet access in both urban and rural areas.
Jio’s FWA journey began with the launch of Jio AirFiber in September 2023, offering plug-and-play broadband at affordable prices. Within less than two years, Jio has connected millions of households and small businesses across India, rapidly closing the gap with global leaders.
As of mid-2025, Jio boasts over 20 million FWA subscribers, surpassing T-Mobile’s 19.8 million and setting a new global benchmark. Jio’s 5G network now covers over 98% of India’s population, enabling high-speed FWA even in remote villages. Jio’s entry-level FWA plans start at just ₹599 per month, making broadband accessible to millions who were previously unconnected.
T-Mobile, the previous global leader in FWA, dominated the US market by leveraging its expansive 5G network. However, Jio’s scale, lower price points, and focus on digital inclusion have driven unprecedented adoption in India a country with over 1.4 billion people and a massive demand for reliable internet.
Millions of new users in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, as well as rural areas, now enjoy high-speed internet for education, healthcare, and business. Affordable broadband is fueling growth in e-commerce, fintech, online education, and telemedicine. Jio’s success demonstrates how emerging markets can leapfrog traditional infrastructure and achieve rapid digital inclusion.
Meanwhile, global telecom operators are studying Jio’s model as a blueprint for expanding FWA in other developing regions.
