6G Could Add $1.24 Trillion to Global Economy by 2040, GSMA Warns

Sixth-generation mobile technology could add $1.24 trillion to the global economy by 2040, but inadequate spectrum allocation by governments could put nearly 42 percent of that potential value at risk, according to a report released by the GSMA and covered by Social News XYZ on November 5, 2026.

That prospective economic gain amounts to roughly 0.7 percent of global gross domestic product. The findings point to advancements in artificial intelligence, industrial automation, immersive digital services, and next-generation connectivity as the primary growth engines.

Manufacturing and financial services stand to capture the largest shares of this economic activity. Manufacturing is projected to account for 20 percent of the contribution, while financial services follow closely at 19 percent. Construction accounts for 13 percent of the projected economic contribution, and the information and communications technology sector makes up 12 percent.

Global Markets Anticipate Hundreds of Billions in Economic Value

Geographic distribution varies significantly across major global markets. Greater China is anticipated to capture $390 billion in additional economic value by 2040. North America expects $290 billion, while Europe projects an economic boost of $225 billion.

However, the industry body warns that as much as $520 billion of the total projected value could be lost if regulators fail to provide sufficient frequency resources. “Decisions on spectrum policy taken over the next few years would play a critical role in determining how much of that value can ultimately be realised,” said GSMA Chief Regulatory Officer John Giusti.

Mid-band frequencies represent the core of the network’s financial architecture. The GSMA report indicates that mid-band spectrum will account for about 70 percent of the technology’s economic contribution. Low-band spectrum is projected to contribute another 25 percent by expanding coverage into rural, indoor, and otherwise underserved locations.

Policy Demands Ahead of 2027 International Talks

To capture the full economic dividend, the GSMA is pressing governments to release at least 2 GHz of mid-band spectrum by roughly 2030. This release includes portions of the upper 6 GHz range, alongside the upper 3.5 GHz, 4.5 GHz, and 7 GHz bands. Regulators are also urged to make the 600 MHz band available to strengthen indoor and rural coverage.

Clear national spectrum roadmaps are necessary to provide investment certainty for network operators planning future rollouts. These policy decisions take on heightened urgency ahead of the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2027, where international policymakers will determine formal spectrum allocations for emerging technologies.

Unlike previous network generations, 6G is designed from the ground up around artificial intelligence capabilities. According to the industry association, these networks will carry data while simultaneously sensing their environment, supporting intelligent decision-making, and integrating terrestrial and satellite connectivity.