The function of enterprise broadband in WAN structure is evolving. It’s not only a backup choice—many enterprises now depend on it for core connectivity.
Because of the rise of cloud companies and SaaS purposes, broadband’s flexibility and cost-effectiveness make it a robust contender towards legacy companies like MPLS and DIA.
We’ve collected information from 170+ nations for our Enterprise Broadband Pricing Database, protecting practically 7,000 broadband plans that vary from 1 Mbps to 10 Gbps.
Right here’s what we discovered:
1. Fiber Is King
Fiber-based plans now account for 53% of all enterprise broadband plans globally, a rise from 43% in 2021.
The rising deployment of fiber has had a noticeable influence on the obtain speeds accessible. Nevertheless, enterprises and different prospects searching for entry to new fiber connections usually should put money into greenfield growth, which may enhance prices because of the want for brand spanking new infrastructure.
2. The 5G Wave Is Rising
5G is quickly gaining traction. In 2021, 5G plans made up simply 5% of worldwide wi-fi plans. By 2024, that quantity has risen to 12%. Finland is main the cost with essentially the most 5G plans in our database.
5G’s decrease latency and better bandwidth are key components driving adoption, particularly in enterprises searching for cost-effective wi-fi connectivity choices.
3. Value Erosion Continues
Value erosion stays a continuing within the broadband market.
With declining wholesale transport prices, ISPs can now supply greater capability plans at aggressive costs. This development is particularly evident in Europe, the place ISPs leverage economies of scale to offer vital per-Mbps financial savings—as much as 81% for plans within the 51-100 Mbps vary—encouraging upgrades to sooner speeds.
Broadband pricing is closely influenced by geography, native competitors, and regulatory frameworks.
Nonetheless, broadband pricing is closely influenced by geography, native competitors, and regulatory frameworks. In distant areas, greater prices persist because of the elevated funding required for infrastructure and expertise, making these areas dearer to service regardless of broader value reductions elsewhere.
4. Enterprise Broadband’s Position within the WAN Is Increasing
Hybrid networks have gotten the norm as WAN managers combine enterprise broadband alongside MPLS and DIA to stability value and efficiency.
Enterprise broadband now accounts for 15% of WAN websites, with enterprises more and more counting on it for high-capacity websites resulting from its affordability.
5. Wi-fi and Satellite tv for pc Options Stay Vital for Distant Connectivity
Whereas fiber dominates most areas, each wi-fi and satellite tv for pc entry proceed to play essential roles, significantly in distant and hard-to-reach areas.
Wi-fi plans account for 25% of all enterprise broadband plans globally, with areas like Africa closely counting on wi-fi and satellite tv for pc connectivity to bridge infrastructure gaps.
Satellite tv for pc broadband is a main instance of wi-fi expertise stepping in the place fiber can’t attain. It’s turning into a go-to choice in rural markets the place conventional infrastructure is just too costly or troublesome to construct. Whereas satellite tv for pc might not supply the excessive speeds of fiber, it’s important for bringing connectivity to underserved areas the place different networks simply can’t minimize it.
6. Limitless Information Plans Are Changing into the Norm
As companies push for better bandwidth and suppleness, ISPs are responding by providing extra limitless information plans. In truth, by 2024, 64% of fiber plans got here with limitless information, reflecting the rising demand for seamless, high-speed connectivity.
These plans have change into important for enterprises that want to make sure secure, high-speed connectivity with out worrying about information caps, significantly as demand for cloud purposes and distant work continues to develop.
For a deeper dive into these findings, our full Enterprise Broadband Pricing Database contains detailed insights on international pricing, entry sorts, and broadband’s evolving function in WAN structure.
