AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile could make a fortune with 6G, but there's a catch

We're all waiting for 6G to kick off—not that 5G is slow or insufficient, but the tech industry can't stand still. GSMA, a.k.a. the GSM Association (the advocacy and lobbying organization for the mobile communications industry) projects that 6G could add $1.24 trillion to the global economy by 2040.

A lot of money

Yes, and the estimates are that this money would be generated through increased productivity, new technologies and businesses being able to do things that aren't practical with today's networks. Sure, 6G will make your phone's internet even faster than today (although 5G is spectacular, too).

The far more important role of 6G would be linked to AI systems, automating factories, connecting industrial robots, improving financial services and, as a whole, supporting the advanced digital experiences of tomorrow. For example, AI could benefit greatly from faster and more reliable communication between systems. Factories could use more robots and automated machinery.

The GSMA estimates that 6G could increase global GDP by 0.7% in 2040. Manufacturing and financial services are expected to benefit particularly heavily.

The report also claims that China could gain $390 billion in additional economic value by 2040, followed by North America with $290 billion and Europe with $225 billion.

More spectrum!

This is where things get a bit complicated, since the world isn't perfect. The GSMA warns that as much as $520 billion of the projected $1.24 trillion economic benefits could be lost if governments don't make enough radio spectrum available for 6G.

As you know, carriers need access to different frequency bands to provide coverage, speed and network capacity. Without enough spectrum, even the most advanced network equipment cannot perform to its full potential.

Governments across the world, therefore, should release more frequencies for 6G before operators start deploying the technology.

As we've told you, the US government could make at least 500 MHz of additional spectrum available to commercial users before 2030. Telcos like AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile could use these frequencies to increase network capacity, but the government first needs to determine which bands can be shared or released.

The complication is that government agencies already use some of these frequencies, so they can't simply be handed over to mobile operators overnight. Instead, the two sides may have to share spectrum for years, with mobile networks operating alongside existing government systems. One possible solution is improving systems like CBRS, which coordinates shared spectrum access, using better data and AI tools to determine who can use particular frequencies and when.

But the GSMA wants governments to make at least 2 GHz of mid-band spectrum available by around 2030. Mid-band frequencies are particularly useful because they offer a balance between coverage and speed. Lower frequencies travel farther and penetrate buildings better, while higher frequencies can deliver more capacity but generally cover shorter distances. The GSMA specifically mentions the upper 6 GHz, 3.5 GHz, 4.5 GHz and 7 GHz bands as potential sources of additional capacity.

Will I pay more?

Ah, the important question. Building entirely new 6G networks could cost AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile billions of dollars, potentially leading to higher prices for customers. However, a technology called multi-RAT spectrum sharing (MRSS) could help avoid some of that expense by allowing 5G and 6G to share existing spectrum and radio equipment instead of requiring completely separate networks.

The challenge is making sure that sharing spectrum doesn't hurt existing 5G performance, something the industry struggled with when introducing Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) for 4G and 5G. If MRSS works as intended, carriers could make the transition to 6G more affordable without sacrificing the quality of current services.

Free Galaxy A17 5G with Straight Talk

Get a free Galaxy A17 with Straight Talk. To claim this deal, you need to pair the phone with activation on a Silver Unlimited Plan or higher. This tier costs $45 per month. Offer valid through 01/10/27 while supplies last online.

Buy at Straight Talk