Global Telecom Industry Targets 4.6 Million 6G Connections in 2029 as AI-Native Networks Drive Buildout
Updated
Updated · Telecom Lead · May 26
Global Telecom Industry Targets 4.6 Million 6G Connections in 2029 as AI-Native Networks Drive Buildout
3 articles · Updated · Telecom Lead · May 26
Late 2029 is now the expected start for commercial 6G, with Juniper Research forecasting about 4.6 million connections in the technology’s first year.
Nearly 2.9 billion 6G connections are projected by 2035—a 70,331% jump over the forecast period—as operators invest in AI-native cores, edge computing, non-terrestrial links and sub-1THz infrastructure.
The spending push reflects pressure to avoid 5G-era revenue disappointments, with carriers shifting toward enterprise APIs, automation and Compute-as-a-Service rather than relying mainly on consumer connectivity growth.
Nine countries are expected to have launched 6G by 2030; China is forecast to lead by connections, while the United States and South Korea are seen at the front of early commercialization.
Japan, India, Europe and North America are already shaping the ecosystem through standards work, virtualization, energy-efficiency trials and security-by-design efforts under 3GPP and ITU IMT-2030 frameworks.
As nations race for 6G dominance, will we get a unified global network or a fragmented 'splinternet' of competing standards?
Will 6G's AI-powered world be sustainable, or will its massive energy demands create an unprecedented environmental crisis?
With quantum computers set to break current encryption, will 6G's security be future-proof or obsolete on day one?
6G Unveiled: From AI-Native Networks to Global Connectivity and Industry Disruption by 2030
Overview
6G is set to arrive around 2030, with early milestones expected as soon as 2029 and the first technical specifications outlined by 2028. The initial rollout will be narrow and focused on specific regions, with economic success measured by more than just subscriber numbers. Countries like Korea are planning to launch Low Earth Orbit satellites to enhance 6G capabilities, while Europe and China are also targeting 2030 for commercialization. Unlike previous generations, 6G aims to bridge the digital divide by emphasizing global equity and resilient access, marking a shift toward more inclusive and sustainable connectivity.