GlobalData reckons FWA is set to play a much bigger role in Hong Kong’s broadband landscape as 5G technology matures and more people seek flexible internet solutions
In sum – what to know:
Broadband growth – Fixed broadband revenue is forecast to increase at a 3.1% CAGR through 2030, supported by growth in FTTH/B and FWA subscriptions.
Voice decline – Fixed voice revenue is expected to fall at a 6.1% CAGR as consumers increasingly adopt mobile and OTT communication services.
FWA expansion – GlobalData expects FWA subscriptions to grow at a 9.2% CAGR as operators expand high-speed connectivity options beyond traditional fiber deployments.
Hong Kong’s fixed communications market is expected to post modest growth through the end of the decade, with gains in broadband services offsetting continued declines in traditional fixed voice revenues, according to a new forecast from GlobalData.
The research firm forecasts total fixed communications services revenue to increase from $2.4 billion in 2025 to $2.7 billion in 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.1%.
According to GlobalData, fixed voice services revenue will decline at a CAGR of 6.1% over the forecast period as consumers increasingly adopt mobile and over-the-top (OTT) communication platforms and operators continue to include voice services within bundled offers.
“Fixed broadband service revenue, on the other hand, will increase at a CAGR of 3.1% during 2025-2030, driven by the growth in broadband subscriptions, especially fiber optic (FTTH/B) broadband and fixed wireless access (FWA) subscriptions,” said Srikanth Vaidya, telecom analyst at GlobalData.
The analyst firm estimates that fiber connections will account for about 81% of Hong Kong’s total broadband lines by 2030, supported by government investments in fiber infrastructure and operators’ FTTH expansion efforts.
“Fiber broadband market in Hong Kong is already highly advanced, but operators continue to find new growth opportunities by offering ultra high-speed connectivity services catering to high bandwidth consumers demanding seamless streaming, gaming, and smart home experiences. The next wave will be driven by investments in cutting-edge infrastructure, enhancements in service quality, and devising premium bundles and promotional offers,” Vaidya told RCR Wireless News.
He added: “For operators, the biggest revenue opportunities are in upselling premium plans, cross-selling smart home, and IoT services, and targeting enterprise customers with custom solutions. Government initiatives and smart city projects are also making it easier to reach new customers and encourage digital transformation for businesses.”
GlobalData also forecasts strong growth for fixed wireless access (FWA) from a relatively small base, with FWA subscriptions expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.2% through 2030.
Commenting on the outlook for the technology, Vaidya said: “FWA is set to play a much bigger role in Hong Kong’s broadband landscape as 5G technology matures and more people seek flexible internet solutions.”
He added that FWA can provide a broadband option that avoids some of the challenges associated with deploying fiber infrastructure and may appeal to customer segments including small businesses, renters and students.
According to GlobalData, operators are already expanding FWA coverage. The firm highlighted HKT’s recent deployment of mmWave-based FWA services aimed at providing high-speed internet access in rural communities and on outlying islands.
Addressing the broader market outlook, Vaidya said: “With fixed voice revenues continuing to fall and competition intensifying in Hong Kong’s fixed communications market, operators are adjusting their strategies to stay competitive and expand.”
He added that operators are placing greater emphasis on fiber investments, bundled services, automation, infrastructure sharing, and higher-value customer segments as they seek to balance network upgrades with profitability.
