6G technology could contribute $1.24 trillion to the global economy by 2040, but spectrum shortages may threaten 42% of its projected economic benefits, GSMA warns.
Sixth-generation wireless technology, commonly known as 6G, could contribute approximately $1.24 trillion to the global economy by 2040. However, insufficient availability of radio spectrum could prevent the industry from achieving a significant portion of this potential, according to a new report by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA).
The industry body's report estimates that 6G could contribute around 0.7% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2040. The economic benefits are expected to come from advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), industrial automation, advanced connectivity and immersive digital services.
However, the report warns that approximately $520 billion, representing 42% of the projected economic contribution, could be lost if governments fail to allocate sufficient spectrum for next-generation mobile networks.
According to the GSMA, spectrum availability will play a crucial role in determining the success of future 6G networks.
Radio spectrum is essential for wireless communication, allowing mobile networks to transmit data and connect devices. As demand for faster connectivity, AI-powered applications and connected infrastructure increases, telecom operators will require additional spectrum resources.
GSMA Chief Regulatory Officer John Giusti highlighted that decisions taken by governments over the coming years would directly influence the economic value that 6G technology can deliver.
The industry body believes that timely spectrum allocation and supportive regulatory policies will be necessary to encourage investment in next-generation telecommunications infrastructure.
The report identifies manufacturing and financial services as the two sectors expected to gain the most from the adoption of 6G technology.
Their projected contributions to the overall economic value of 6G are:
Manufacturing: 20%
Financial services: 19%
Construction: 13%
Information and Communications Technology (ICT): 12%
Manufacturing is expected to benefit from intelligent automation, connected industrial equipment and advanced robotics. Financial institutions could use improved connectivity to support real-time services, secure transactions and AI-powered operations.
Construction could also benefit from connected machinery, smart infrastructure and advanced monitoring systems.
These developments indicate that 6G could have applications beyond smartphones and consumer internet services, potentially transforming several major industries.
The GSMA report comes ahead of important international discussions on future spectrum allocation at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27).
The conference is expected to bring governments and telecommunications regulators together to discuss spectrum requirements for emerging wireless technologies.
According to the industry body, 6G will differ significantly from earlier generations because AI capabilities are expected to be integrated into network architecture from the beginning.
Future networks could support intelligent decision-making, advanced sensing capabilities and seamless connectivity between terrestrial and satellite communication systems.
The report identifies several technologies that could drive 6G adoption, including:
AI-powered connectivity and network management.
Industrial robotics and automation.
Advanced broadband services.
Integrated sensing technologies.
Non-terrestrial networks and satellite connectivity.
These capabilities could support smarter industries, connected infrastructure and more advanced digital services.
The availability of mid-band spectrum is expected to be particularly important for achieving the economic potential of 6G.
According to the GSMA, mid-band frequencies could account for approximately 70% of the technology's projected economic contribution.
Mid-band spectrum offers a balance between network coverage and data-carrying capacity, making it suitable for supporting high-speed connectivity across urban and industrial environments.
Low-band spectrum is expected to contribute another 25% by extending network coverage to rural communities, indoor locations and underserved regions.
Together, these frequency bands will be important for delivering reliable connectivity across different geographical areas and supporting a wide range of connected devices.
To maximise the benefits of 6G, the GSMA has called on governments and regulators to make additional spectrum available before large-scale network deployments begin.
The industry association has recommended releasing at least 2 GHz of mid-band spectrum by around 2030, including portions of the upper 6 GHz frequency range.
It has also called for the availability of the 600 MHz band to improve network coverage and support connected devices.
Additionally, the GSMA wants governments to establish clear national spectrum allocation roadmaps. Such plans would provide telecommunications operators with greater investment certainty and help them prepare for future infrastructure requirements.
Conclusion
The GSMA's projections highlight the significant economic opportunities that 6G technology could create by 2040. With a potential contribution of $1.24 trillion, next-generation connectivity could transform manufacturing, financial services and several other industries. However, the possibility of losing $520 billion due to spectrum shortages highlights the importance of timely government action. Adequate spectrum allocation, clear regulations and infrastructure investment will be essential to unlocking 6G's full economic potential.