6G Connections Expected to Hit 2.4 Billion in 2035

GSMA Intelligence has projected that global 6G connections will reach 2.4 billion by 2035. This forecast indicates a consistent increase from an estimated 50 million connections at the end of 2030, following initial commercial launches.

In its most recent mobile technology outlook, the GSMA's research division predicted that adoption will grow steadily, representing 0.5% of total global mobile connections by the end of 2030. Connections are expected to reach 275 million by the end of 2031 and approximately 740 million in 2032. By 2033, 6G is anticipated to surpass the 1 billion connection milestone, concluding that year at 1.3 billion before rising to 1.9 billion in 2034 and 2.4 billion in 2035.

GSMA Intelligence suggests that the initial 6G cycle will be defined by two phases: the period from 2030 to 2032 will focus on initial launches and ecosystem establishment, while 2033 will mark the beginning of global-scale operations. Notably, the expansion of 6G is not expected to displace 5G, which is still forecast to account for 60% of global connections by the end of 2035, compared to a 23% share for 6G.

China is expected to significantly influence global 6G statistics due to its market scale, with the nation projected to account for over half of total connections by 2035. However, several other leading mobile markets are also forecast to achieve 6G adoption levels of approximately 50% by the middle of the decade.

Matthew Iji, Head of Data Modelling and Forecasting at GSMA Intelligence, noted that the 2035 projection should be regarded as a milestone rather than the technology's peak. “By 2035, 6G will have moved firmly into the global mobile technology mix, but it will coexist with a much larger 5G base and with 4G still playing an important role in many markets,” he stated. “This coexistence is likely to be one of the defining characteristics of the early 6G era.”