The GSMA urged governments to accelerate 6G spectrum planning, warning that countries face a crunch in the next decade unless they expand mid-band allocations.

In its latest report, titled “Vision 2040: Spectrum for the Future of Mobile Connectivity”, the industry association found that 6G networks will require up to three times the mid-band spectrum typically available today as AI-powered services and advanced applications spike data consumption.

According to estimates, global markets will need an average of 2GHz to 3GHz of mid-band spectrum by around 2035 to 2040, with high-demand countries requiring 2.5GHz to 4GHz. Today, most nations have around 1GHz earmarked for mobile connectivity.

According to the report, the first wave of commercial 6G launches are expected from 2030, led by China, Japan, South Korea, the US, Europe, the GCC, Vietnam and India. Although 4G and 5G will remain widely used, more than 5 billion connections, or half the global total, are forecasted by 2040.

Traffic is also set to surge, while urban areas remain pressure points producing 83 per cent of global traffic despite occupying just 5 per cent of land area. This is where mid-band capacity becomes a critical factor, the report noted.

To avoid early 6G bottlenecks and poor user experience, the GSMA insisted that countries must have at least 2GHz of mid-band spectrum operational by 2030, warning that decisions made now will determine whether countries will face congestion, slower speeds and lagging digital economies in the future.

GSMA chief regulatory officer John Giusti stated that meeting these needs will “support robust and sustainable connectivity” and help fuel long-term economic growth.