Summary:
A GSMA report estimates that 6G could contribute an additional $1.24 trillion to global GDP by 2040, driven by AI, industrial automation, advanced connectivity and immersive digital services. Greater China, North America and Europe are expected to record the largest economic gains. However, inadequate spectrum availability could put up to $520 billion of this opportunity at risk. To support 6G development, GSMA has urged governments to allocate sufficient mid-band spectrum, release the 600 MHz band and establish clear national spectrum plans ahead of network deployment.
A GSMA report projects that 6G could generate substantial economic benefits beyond those achievable if 5G remained the most advanced mobile technology. This growth is expected to be fuelled by artificial intelligence (AI), integrated sensing, industrial automation, immersive digital applications and widespread connectivity.
The report forecasts that 6G could increase global GDP by 0.7 per cent in 2040, contributing an additional $1.24 trillion to the economy. Manufacturing and financial services are expected to be among the sectors benefiting the most.
The projected economic gains are expected to emerge from five key areas: connectivity supporting next-generation AI systems, industrial automation and robotics, improved mobile broadband and fixed wireless access, integrated sensing and communication technologies, and non-terrestrial networks that bring connectivity to underserved locations.
At the regional level, Greater China is projected to account for $390 billion in additional economic value by 2040, followed by North America with $290 billion and Europe with $225 billion.
However, the report warns that insufficient spectrum availability could jeopardise up to $520 billion, representing 42 per cent of the estimated economic opportunity. Such losses would be in addition to the broader economic impact on existing mobile networks that depend on the same spectrum resources.
According to GSMA, unlocking 6G’s economic potential will require governments to allocate adequate spectrum ahead of network deployment. The association highlighted the importance of international spectrum decisions expected at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27) and urged policymakers to take timely action to prevent delays to future economic growth.
The report also recommends that governments and regulatory authorities take three key measures:
- Allocate a minimum of 2 gigahertz (GHz) of mid-band spectrum by around 2030, with additional capacity made available as 6G requirements increase. The allocation should cover the upper 6 GHz band, supported by further spectrum in the upper 3.5 GHz, 4.5 GHz and 7 GHz bands.
- Release the 600 MHz band for 6G services to improve connectivity in rural locations and indoor environments, while supporting the expansion of connected devices and services. The 500 MHz band could also be considered where suitable.
- Establish clear national spectrum allocation plans within defined timelines, enabling mobile operators to make investment decisions with greater certainty and build next-generation networks before demand increases.
