While many operators are interested in the high capacity of the millimeter wave bands from 26 GHz upwards, the early trials are often focused on a fixed wireless access (FWA) model which looks unattractive in most markets. Verizon and AT&T may see FWA as a means to expand their fixed/mobile footprint, but for most operators, the level of investment required to come close to the performance of fibre would be prohibitive. Speaking at the broadcasters’ annual jamboree, the IBC conference in Amsterdam, Balan Nair – CTO of cable giant Liberty Global – insisted 5G would not be a replacement for fixed broadband. “The economics just aren’t there,” he said. “You’re talking about buying hundreds of towers and all of that…