The Future of 6G: Urgent Spectrum Decisions Needed to Meet Growing Demand

Next-generation 6G networks are set to revolutionize mobile connectivity, but immediate governmental action is required to secure the necessary spectrum to support this transformation. A recent study published by the GSMA highlights the critical need for up to three times more mid-band spectrum by 2035-2040 to meet soaring data demand and the rollout of advanced AI-driven applications. This call to action aims to prevent slower speeds, network congestion, and potential economic losses in the 6G era.

Why Additional Spectrum is Crucial for 6G

In its comprehensive global report, Vision 2040: Spectrum for the Future of Mobile Connectivity, the GSMA emphasizes that countries must secure 2-3 GHz of mid-band spectrum on average by 2040 to maintain high-demand urban network capacities. For nations with exceptionally higher data demand, such as the US, China, and parts of Europe, the requirement rises to 2.5-4 GHz. This increase is essential to support the continued adoption of 5G, alongside new 6G-powered innovations such as XR, integrated sensing, and autonomous systems.

Without timely spectrum allocation, the implications could be severe. Network congestion, rising data costs, and poor connectivity might limit technological progress and hamper overall economic competitiveness. Governments are urged to take preemptive steps, as regulatory decisions made today will have far-reaching consequences for the next decade and beyond. The 6G network, projected to launch commercially by 2030, is expected to connect over 5 billion users globally by 2040.

Projected Growth in Data Usage and Urban Challenges

The GSMA study predicts unprecedented growth in mobile data traffic, which is forecasted to reach 3,900 exabytes per month by 2040. This equates to an average consumption of 140-360 GB per mobile user per month, driven by the proliferation of data-heavy applications and increasing “power users” who already account for 60-70% of total global traffic. Notably, urban areas, which generate 83% of this traffic but represent only 5% of the world’s land area, will face the most significant spectrum challenges.

Given these challenges, the study underscores the necessity of allocating 2 GHz of mid-band spectrum by 2030 to prevent congestion and declining user experience in densely populated regions. Moreover, the report identifies specific mid-band frequencies under consideration for future mobile use, noting the importance of long-term planning to harmonize and efficiently allocate these bands globally.

Spectrum Policy Implications and the Role of Regulators

The GSMA’s findings stress the crucial role of policymakers and regulators in ensuring a smooth transition to 6G. As highlighted by GSMA’s Chief Regulatory Officer, John Giusti, achieving the spectrum goals for the 6G era will be essential for delivering robust digital connectivity and fostering economic growth worldwide. He also emphasized that proactive spectrum planning and global collaboration are pivotal to meet the emerging connectivity demands of the next decade.

The International Telecommunication Union’s WRC-27 conference in 2027 will serve as a critical platform for negotiating future mobile bands. Policymakers are encouraged to prioritize the release of key mid-band spectrum, considering existing incumbents in these bands. Long-term planning is essential to facilitate spectrum availability, foster device ecosystem development, and optimize global harmonization.

The rollout of 6G networks represents a significant leap forward for mobile connectivity, promising transformative capabilities for both consumers and businesses. Nevertheless, realizing this vision will depend heavily on timely and forward-looking governmental action to secure and allocate the spectrum resources necessary to power the next generation of connectivity.