GSMA Report: 6G Could Add $1.24 Trillion to Global Economy by 2040, But Spectrum Shortage Risks $520 Billion Loss

The latest report from GSMA indicates that 6G mobile networks could contribute an additional $1.24 trillion to the global economy by 2040, equivalent to 0.7% of global GDP. However, insufficient spectrum supply could put up to $520 billion of economic opportunities at risk.

Potential Economic Impact of 6G

According to GSMA's report "Vision 2040: The Economic Benefits of 6G," the rollout of 6G is expected to bring significant economic value across various sectors, particularly in manufacturing and financial services, which are projected to account for 20% and 19% of the additional economic contribution from 6G, respectively. Additionally, the construction industry and information and communication technology will also contribute corresponding economic value.

The report notes that 6G will become an AI-native technology capable of not only transmitting data but also sensing environments, supporting intelligent decision-making, and integrating terrestrial and satellite connections. These capabilities will enable businesses to enhance productivity, develop new products and services, and extend digital innovation into sectors and regions that current networks cannot fully support.

Risks of Spectrum Shortage

The report emphasizes that mid-band spectrum will account for 70% of the economic contribution from 6G by 2040, highlighting its importance in providing the capacity and performance needed for advanced digital services. Low-band spectrum is expected to contribute about 25%, offering essential coverage in rural areas, inside buildings, and locations where high-band cannot effectively reach.

However, restrictive access to these spectrums could reduce the economic contribution of 6G by as much as $520 billion. GSMA warns that these losses will be in addition to the impacts of existing mobile networks.

To ensure the full economic benefits of 6G, the report calls on governments and regulatory bodies to take three priority actions: first, at least 2 GHz of mid-band spectrum should be released by 2030, with additional capacity to be released subsequently to meet the growing demand for 6G; second, a 600 MHz band should be released to enhance rural and indoor coverage, supporting the widespread deployment of 6G.