Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-26 07:00:00
Figures cited by *PUNCH* show a new GSMA study forecasting that sixth-generation mobile technology could reach massive global scale by 2040, even as 4G and 5G remain dominant for years due to device cycles and uneven infrastructure.
The gradual rollout implies a long “multi-generation” period where operators must run several network standards in parallel—raising spectrum planning, capex pressure, and policy negotiations over spectrum allocation.
For emerging markets, the report’s signal is mixed: the 6G era may arrive, but affordability, power reliability, and fibre backhaul constraints could keep 4G/5G central for longer than in advanced economies.
The policy implication is that regulators and operators need early planning, not hype—especially on spectrum, standards, and industrial use cases.
GSMA’s own press release forecast “More than 5 billion 6G connections,” while *Mobile World Live* said “more than 5 billion connections, or half the global total, are forecasted by 2040.”
Echotitbits take: Nigeria and Africa shouldn’t chase 6G headlines while 4G coverage and fibre gaps persist—but planning is still necessary. Watch for spectrum strategy debates, local manufacturing/device affordability moves, and whether 5G monetisation improves before 6G capex arrives.
Source: Punch — Dec 26, 2025 (https://punchng.com/6g-to-hit-five-billion-connections-by-2040-report/)
Photo credit/source: The Punch
The Punch 2025-12-26
