Near-term government decisions are needed to avoid future spectrum “bottlenecks” to benefit billions of consumers and businesses in a 6G world.
20th November 2025, London: Next generation 6G networks will require Up to three times more mid-band spectrum than is typically available today to keep pace with growing demand for data, AI-based services and advanced digital applications, according to new analysis released today by the GSMAthat represents the mobile ecosystem worldwide.
Vision 2040: Spectrum for the future of mobile connectivityA comprehensive global assessment of spectrum requirements for the coming '6G' era, concludes that a global average of 2 to 3 GHz of mid-band spectrum per country will be required in 2035-2040 to meet the capacity needs of mobile networks in the urban areas of greatest demand, with countries with highest demand that need 2.5–4 GHz.
Compiled by GSMA Intelligence analysts and GSMA's global spectrum team, the study is designed to provide guidance to regulators and policymakers as the mobile industry prepares for large-scale 6G deployments from 2030. This is particularly important now as governments negotiate future mobile bands ahead of the crucial WRC-27 treaty conference held by the International Telecommunication Union within two years.
Analysis of the report shows that Countries must act now to secure enough spectrum for 6G.or risk slower speeds, increased congestion and loss of economic opportunity in the 2030s. The GSMA warns that without early government planning, consumers could face poorer connectivity, businesses could struggle to adopt new technologies and national digital economies could lose competitiveness in the global transition to 6G.
John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer, GSMAsaying:
“This study shows that the 6G era will require three times more mid-band spectrum than is available today. Meeting these spectrum requirements will support strong and sustainable connectivity, generate digital ambitions and help economies grow. I hope this report provides useful information to governments as they strive to meet the connectivity needs of their citizens in the coming decade.”
Key findings from the report:
6G deployments from 2030; 5 billion connections by 2040
6G networks are expected to begin commercial deployment in 2030with major initial launches in China, Japan, South Korea, US, GCC states, Europe, Vietnam and India.
By 2040The study predicts:
- More than 5 billion 6G connectionsaround half of all mobile connections worldwide
- 4G and 5G will remain essential, with approximately 2 billion 4G and 3 billion 5G connections still in use
Global mobile traffic will reach 3,900 exabytes per month in 2040
Based on the study's demand scenarios, global mobile traffic is expected to reach:
- 1,700 BE/month in the low growth scenario
- 3,900 BE/month in the high growth scenario
This is equivalent to 140–360 GB per mobile connection per month by 2040.
Traffic growth will be driven by continued 5G adoption, an increasing number of “power users,” and new 6G-enabled applications, including XR, embedded sensors, and autonomous systems. He The 10% of mobile users that generate 60% to 70% of today's total traffic will increase over time.and the report notes that this level of use will become “normal behavior” by 2040.
Urban areas produce 83% of traffic, but only represent 5% of the world's land area.
The study concludes that spectrum needs are determined by traffic in the densest urban areas:
- 83% of mobile traffic occurs in urban areas
- These areas represent only ~5% of the geographical territory
- The traffic density is 9 times higher in very dense urban areas than other urban areas
- …and almost 700 times higher that rural areas
These concentrations are where midband capacity becomes critical.
2-3 GHz of mid-band spectrum needed globally by 2035-2040
Taking into account projected traffic, expected improvements in spectral efficiency, and dense urban capacity modeling, the study concludes:
- Global average needs: 2-3GHz of the mid-band spectrum
- Countries with the highest demand (top 50%): 2.5–4 GHz
- Most countries today have ~1GHz identified for mobile use
- Therefore, Additional 1 to 3 GHz may be necessary to meet the demand of the 6G era
2 GHz needed by 2030 to avoid congestion
The analysis warns that if only 1 GHz of mid-band spectrum is available:
- Cities with more than 50% of the world's urban population will have limited capacity by 2030 (the beginning of the 6G deployment cycle) if mid-band spectrum remains at current levels.
To avoid a decrease in user experience, the report emphasizes that 2 GHz of mid-band spectrum must be operational by 2030.
Spectrum Policy Implications
The report identifies key candidate midbands being studied for future mobile use:
- 3.8–4.2 GHz: +200–400MHz
- 4.4–4.99 GHz: +400–600MHz
- Upper 6 GHz (6.425–7.125 GHz): +700MHz
- 7.125–8.4 GHz: +600–1275MHz
The GSMA notes that each band has existing incumbents, which means long-term planning is essential to analyze spectrum use and release, device ecosystem development and global harmonization.
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About the GSMA
The GSMA is a global organization that unifies the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver critical innovation for positive business environments and social change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organizations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA offers its members three broad pillars: connectivity for good, industry services and solutions, and outreach. This activity includes advancing policy, addressing today's biggest societal challenges, supporting the technology and interoperability that make mobile devices work, and providing the world's largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events.
We invite you to learn more at gsma.com
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