New Delhi, November 5 (IANS). The sixth generation mobile communication technology i.e. 6G can contribute an additional $ 1.24 trillion to the global economy by the year 2040. However, much of this potential economic gain could be at risk if governments do not make sufficient spectrum available. This information was given in a report by industry organization GSMA on Thursday.
According to the report, next-generation mobile networks can contribute the equivalent of about 0.7 per cent to global gross domestic product (GDP) by 2040 through artificial intelligence (AI), industrial automation, immersive digital services and advanced connectivity.
However, the report said that if sufficient spectrum is not made available for large-scale 6G network deployment, about 42 percent of the estimated economic value, or about $520 billion, will not be realized.
GSMA Chief Regulatory Officer John Giusti said spectrum policy decisions over the coming years will determine how much of the economic potential offered by 6G technology will actually be realised.
According to the report, the manufacturing and financial services sectors are likely to benefit the most from 6G. It is estimated that the share of manufacturing sector in the total economic contribution will be 20 percent and that of financial services will be 19 percent. Apart from this, construction sector can contribute 13 percent and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector can contribute 12 percent.
This report has been released ahead of the World Radiocommunication Conference to be held in 2027. The conference is expected to take important international decisions on future spectrum allocation for emerging technologies.
The GSMA says 6G technology will be significantly different from previous mobile network versions. It is being developed based on AI-centric capabilities that will enable the network to enable intelligent decision making, integrated sensing functions and seamless connectivity between terrestrial and satellite-based networks.
The report highlights that AI-based connectivity, industrial robotics, advanced broadband services, integrated sensing technologies and non-terrestrial networks will be the key drivers of future economic growth.
In terms of spectrum, the report has described mid-band spectrum as the most important. It is estimated that its share in the total economic benefits from 6G will be about 70 percent. Whereas low-band spectrum will help in expanding access to rural areas, indoor locations and underserved areas and will contribute about 25 percent of the total economic contribution.
The GSMA has urged governments to make at least 2 GHz of mid-band spectrum available by 2030, including some of the upper 6 GHz band. It is also recommended to make the 600 MHz band available to increase coverage and support more connected devices.
The industry body has also called for regulators to formulate a clear national spectrum roadmap, giving telcos the required policy stability for future network expansion and investment plans.
–IANS
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