6G Networks to Require Triple the Current Spectrum, Says GSMA Report

An analysis by GSMA reveals that future 6G networks will demand up to three times more spectrum than what is accessible today to accommodate rising data needs. By 2035–2040, urban areas will need an average of 2–3 GHz of mid-band spectrum per country to meet network capacity demands. Without proactive government planning, the global transition to 6G could face slower speeds and increased congestion, potentially hindering economic growth.

The GSMA's "Vision 2040" report urges policymakers to preclude future spectrum bottlenecks as they prepare for the WRC-27 treaty conference in two years. It forecasts that by 2040, over five billion 6G connections will exist, contributing to a global mobile traffic surge to 3,900 exabytes per month.