GSMA Intelligence forecasts 2.4 billion 6G connections by 2035

GSMA Intelligence forecasts that 6G mobile connections will reach approximately 2.4 billion by 2035. While the technology is currently in the research and standardization phase, the first commercial services are expected to emerge in key markets around 2030.

According to the projections, the rollout will occur in stages. By the end of 2030, there are estimated to be 50 million 6G connections, representing about 0.5% of total mobile connections. This figure is expected to grow rapidly, surpassing 1 billion connections by 2033 and reaching 2.4 billion by 2035.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) established the IMT-2030 framework in 2023 to guide 6G development. Potential use cases include ubiquitous connectivity, the integration of artificial intelligence with communications, and integrated sensing and communication (ISAC). China and the United States may deploy some pre-standard 6G networks within the next few years.