Question · Q3 2025
Mike Funk (Bank of America Corporation) asked for background on the negotiation timeline for the new Verizon MLA. He also inquired whether carriers' contemplation of expanding Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) into more rural areas represents active discussions with SBA or more of an anticipation of future market movements.
Answer
Brendan Cavanagh, President and CEO of SBA, stated that Verizon MLA discussions had been ongoing for much of the year, taking time but moving efficiently. On FWA expansion into rural areas, he described it as a mix of anticipation and observed activity. Mr. Cavanagh noted FWA deployments don't look different from traditional 5G mid-band, making it hard to distinguish, but expects continued FWA push into additional communities, driven by subscriber growth, potentially facilitated by the Verizon agreement.