Research: Consumers Want More Than One Network Can Deliver

According to our latest research, the answer is no.

Amdocs Research, conducted by Dynata, surveyed 1,000 U.S. consumers to understand their connectivity experiences. The findings reveal a clear trend: consumers prioritize reliability, affordability, and uninterrupted access—but many still struggle to get all three. And this is no small issue -- 40% say losing internet for just a few hours would significantly impact daily life, with Millennials (47%) and Gen Z (43%) feeling it the most.

For communications service providers (CSPs), this isn’t just a challenge—it’s an opportunity. The future of connectivity isn’t about choosing one technology over another—it’s about integrating fiber, 5G, FWA, and satellite into a seamless, intelligent experience that adapts to consumer needs.

Why? Because consumers don’t think in terms of fiber vs. satellite vs. 5G—they simply expect fast, seamless, and reliable connectivity everywhere.

Here are some of the findings from our The Broadband Battle research.

FWA Holds Potential, But Awareness is Limited

FWA is emerging as a strong broadband solution, particularly in areas where fiber and cable aren’t available. Yet, consumer awareness remains low, which may be slowing adoption— 47% of consumers have never heard of it.

At the same time, operators are refining their FWA strategies to ensure increased adoption doesn’t strain network performance. As more people continue working from home—at least part of the time—supporting voice and video calling, along with other real-time communications, at a consistently high quality becomes a top priority. Most households now rely on multiple connected devices, and scaling FWA to support these demands may not always be feasible, especially in areas with limited spectrum or higher population density.

In high-traffic areas, some CSPs are turning to network slicing to manage broadband demand while maintaining service quality. “FWA works best where operators have excess spectrum capacity,” said Joe Hogan, CTO of Amdocs Networks. “In Tier 1 markets, heavy broadband traffic has led some operators to rethink how much they allow on their networks. Many are using slicing to manage demand and maintain performance.”

For CSPs, raising awareness of FWA’s role in broadband solutions is just as critical as expanding network availability. Educating consumers on how FWA fits into the larger connectivity landscape will help drive adoption and ensure they understand its benefits.

The Cost vs. Reliability Challenge: Finding the Right Balance

Consumers expect fast and reliable internet, but affordability is just as critical in their broadband decisions.

• Cable leads current internet access (39%), followed by fiber (31%) and FWA (9%). Notable, 3% of consumers do not have a dedicated internet connection at home.
• 60% of consumers say their home internet is very reliable, yet the same percentage cite cost as the biggest issue—showing the need to balance performance with affordability.
• 38% of consumers prioritize speed, and 38% prioritize reliability when choosing an ISP—proving that consistency matters just as much as fast connections.

As expectations for seamless, uninterrupted connectivity grow, CSPs have an opportunity to deliver solutions that eliminate trade-offs—ensuring consumers get speed, reliability, and affordability in one package.

Satellite Broadband: A Valuable Addition to Hybrid Connectivity

Satellite broadband is gaining momentum, especially as partnerships with industry leaders like Starlink make headlines. While consumer interest is growing, expectations around performance remain high:

• 67% of consumers would consider switching to satellite if it provided a comparable experience, yet concerns about cost, reliability, and speed persist.
• 37% of consumers are unfamiliar with satellite internet, highlighting an education gap despite increased investments in LEO constellations.

Already, satellite is becoming a premium backup option for high-income households.

“Satellite broadband is emerging as a premium backup solution,” said Hogan. “Many consumers are starting to complement their fiber connection with a secondary satellite service, like Starlink, to ensure they’re never offline.”

Beyond home broadband, satellite connectivity is also gaining traction for mobility, particularly among travelers and remote workers.

“Satellite isn’t just about home connectivity—more consumers are bringing portable satellite stations with them when traveling across the country, ensuring they’re never without high-speed broadband,” said Hogan. “This trend will only grow as mobile connectivity expectations rise.”

While satellite won’t replace fiber or 5G, it fills critical coverage gaps, ensuring connectivity where traditional networks fall short.

How CSPs Can Lead the Shift to Hybrid Connectivity
Consumers don’t care about network types—they just want fast, seamless, and uninterrupted connectivity. The solution isn’t choosing one network over another—it’s about CSPs integrating multiple technologies into a single, intelligent experience.

To lead this transformation, CSPs have to:

• Expand coverage by using satellite as a supplemental service in areas where fiber and 5G fall short.
• Strengthen network resilience with AI-driven, automated switching between terrestrial and satellite networks.
• Invest in automation for real-time connectivity optimization across fiber, 5G, FWA, and satellite.
• Form strategic partnerships to drive next-gen hybrid networks.
• Enhance consumer education on FWA and satellite to boost awareness and trust.
• Balance performance with affordability, so consumers get speed, reliability, and cost-effectiveness—without compromise.

CSPs that embrace hybrid solutions won’t just keep up—they’ll define the future of always-on connectivity.

Hybrid is the Future of Connectivity

Consumers don’t think about fiber, 5G, or satellite as separate entities—they simply expect fast, reliable, and affordable connectivity wherever they go.

As expectations evolve, CSPs must move beyond a one-network mindset and embrace AI-powered, hybrid models that seamlessly integrate fiber, FWA, 5G, and satellite.

Those who invest in automation, education, and seamless integration will lead the next generation of broadband—delivering a connection that just works.

For more information, download the Broadband Battle Fact Sheet