GSMA projects 2.4bn 6G connections

GSMA predicts 2.4 billion 6G connections by 2035, as global telcos invest in new network infrastructure while 5G remains dominant. Operators will expand 5G coverage, introduce 5G-Advanced, and build on existing architecture and technologies to launch 6G. 6G will start with around 50 million connections by the end of 2030, reaching nearly 1.3 billion by 2034 and 2.4 billion by 2035.

This transition will occur alongside the continued growth of 5G, which is forecast to account for 60% of global mobile connections by 2035. Adoption of 6G is expected to be highest in advanced mobile markets in East Asia, North America, and parts of Europe, which have strong 5G adoption, established device ecosystems, and growing demand for network capacity.

Adoption will be slower in emerging markets, with 6G penetration expected to stay below 10% in several regions by 2035. The increasing demand for mobile data, driven by AI, extended reality, and 5G fixed wireless access, will put pressure on mobile network capacity, requiring additional mid-band spectrum and improvements in spectral efficiency and network densification.