6G Networks Will Need 3x More Mid-Band Spectrum to Meet Data Demands
Key Highlights
- The report arrives as governments prepare key spectrum negotiations ahead of the ITU’s WRC-27 treaty conference.
- The findings warn that countries must plan spectrum allocations now to avoid slower speeds and rising network congestion in the 2030s.
- Insufficient spectrum could hinder consumer connectivity, limit business innovation, and undermine national digital competitiveness in the 6G era.
To keep pace with the excelerating demand for data, AI-powered services, and advanced digital applications, next-generation 6G networks will require up to three times more mid-band spectrum than is typically available today.
GSMA's report, "Vision 2040: Spectrum for the Future of Mobility Connectivity," offers a comprehensive assessment of spectrum requirements for the 6G era. It concludes that countries will need, on average, 2–3 GHz of mid-band spectrum by 2035–2040 to meet mobile network capacity demands in the highest-traffic urban areas. In markets with heavier usage, requirements could rise to 2.5–4 GHz.
The analysis is intended to guide regulators and policymakers as the mobile industry prepares for widespread 6G rollout beginning around 2030. The findings arrive at a pivotal moment as governments are now negotiating future mobile bands ahead of the International Telecommunication Union’s WRC-27 treaty conference in two years' time.
The report issues a clear warning: without early action to secure sufficient spectrum, countries risk slower mobile speeds, growing network congestion, and lost economic opportunities in the 2030s. Insufficient planning could leave consumers with poorer connectivity, hinder businesses’ ability to adopt next-generation technologies, and weaken national digital economies during the global shift to 6G.
John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer, GSMA, said: "This study shows that the 6G era will require three times more mid-band spectrum than is available today. Satisfying these spectrum requirements will support robust and sustainable connectivity, deliver digital ambitions and help economies grow. I hope this report provides useful insights to governments as they strive to meet the connectivity needs of their citizens in the coming decade."
By 2040, the study forecasts:
- More than 5 billion 6G connections, around half of all mobile connections globally.
- 4G and 5G will remain essential, with around 2 billion 4G and 3 billion 5G connections still in use.
- Global mobile traffic is set to reach up to 3,900 exabytes per month by 2040.
- 2–3 GHz of mid-band spectrum is needed globally by 2035–2040, on average, with 2GHz by 2030, to avoid congestion.
Source: GSMA
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