20^th November 2025, London: Next-generation 6G networks will require up to three times more mid-band spectrum than is typically available today to keep pace with surging demand for data, AI-powered services and advanced digital applications, according to new analysis published today by the GSMA, which represents the mobile ecosystem worldwide.

Vision 2040: Spectrum for the Future of Mobile Connectivity, a comprehensive global assessment of spectrum requirements for the coming ‘6G’ era, concludes that a global average of 2–3 GHz of mid-band spectrum per country will be required in 2035–2040 to meet mobile network capacity needs in the highest-demand urban areas, with higher-demand countries needing 2.5–4 GHz.

Compiled by analysts at GSMA Intelligence and the GSMA’s global spectrum team, the study is designed to provide guidance to regulators and policymakers as the mobile industry prepares for wide-scale 6G deployments from 2030. This is particularly important as governments negotiate future mobile bands ahead of the crucial WRC-27 treaty conference held by the International Telecommunication Union in two years’ time.

The report’s analysis shows that countries must act now to secure enough spectrum for 6G, or risk slower speeds, rising congestion and lost economic opportunity in the 2030s.The GSMA cautions that without early government planning, consumers could face poorer connectivity, businesses may struggle to adopt new technologies, and national digital economies could lose competitiveness in the global transition to 6G.

John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer, GSMA, said: “This study shows that the 6G era will require three times more mid-band spectrum than is available today. Satisfying these spectrum requirements will support robust and sustainable connectivity, deliver digital ambitions and help economies grow. I hope this report provides useful insights to governments as they strive to meet the connectivity needs of their citizens in the coming decade.” 

Key findings from the report: 

6G deployments from 2030; 5 billion connections by 2040

6G networks are expected to begin commercial deployment in 2030, with significant early rollouts in China, Japan, South Korea, the US, the GCC states, Europe, Vietnam and India.
By 2040, the study forecasts:

• More than 5 billion 6G connections, around half of all mobile connections globally

• 4G and 5G will remain essential, with around 2 billion 4G and 3 billion 5G connections still in use

Global mobile traffic to reach up to 3,900 exabytes per month by 2040

Based on the study’s demand scenarios, global mobile traffic is forecast to reach:

• 1,700 EB/month in the low-growth scenario

• 3,900 EB/month in the high-growth scenario

This equates to 140–360 GB per mobile connection per month by 2040.

Traffic growth will be driven by continued 5G adoption, increasing numbers of “power users”, and new 6G-enabled applications including XR, integrated sensing and autonomous systems. The 10% of mobile users that generate 60–70% of total traffic today will increase over time, and the report notes this level of usage will become “normal behaviour” by 2040.

Urban areas produce 83% of traffic but only represent 5% of global land area

The study finds that spectrum needs are determined by traffic in the densest urban zones:

• 83% of mobile traffic occurs in urban areas

• Those areas account for just ~5% of geographic territory

• Traffic density is 9× higher in very dense urban areas than other urban zones

• …and almost 700× higher than rural areas

These concentrations are where mid-band capacity becomes critical.

2–3 GHz of mid-band spectrum needed globally by 2035–2040

Taking into account projected traffic, expected improvements in spectral efficiency and modelling of dense urban capacity, the study concludes:

• Global average needs: 2–3 GHz of mid-band spectrum

• Higher-demand countries (the top 50%): 2.5–4 GHz

• Most countries today have ~1 GHz identified for mobile use

• Therefore, an additional 1–3 GHz may be required to meet 6G-era demand

2 GHz needed by 2030 to avoid congestion

The analysis warns that if only 1 GHz of mid-band spectrum is available:

• Cities with over 50% of the world’s urban population will be capacity-constrained by 2030 (the beginning of the 6G deployment cycle) if mid-band spectrum remains at today’s levels.

To prevent a decline in user experience, the report stresses that 2 GHz of mid-band spectrum must be operational by 2030.

Spectrum Policy Implications

The report identifies the key candidate mid-bands under study for future mobile use:

• 3.8–4.2 GHz: +200–400 MHz

• 4.4–4.99 GHz: +400–600 MHz

• Upper 6 GHz (6.425–7.125 GHz): +700 MHz

• 7.125–8.4 GHz: +600–1,275 MHz

The GSMA notes that each band has existing incumbents, meaning long-lead-time planning is essential for analysing spectrum use and release, device ecosystem development and global harmonisation.

This sustained growth was fueled by strong demand across the Middle East and Central Europe, along with continued strong consumer purchasing in China. The market also benefitted from a surge in Chrome tablet shipments to Japan, driven by the government’s GIGA 2.0 education initiative. Meanwhile, Chromebook shipments reached 4.2 million units, up 3% year on year, as renewed activity in education deployments gained momentum worldwide, with notable volumes supporting Japan’s education goals.Omdia Research Manager Himani Mukka commented, “The tablet market, which remains largely consumer-driven, has shown resilience in 2025 despite ongoing macroeconomic headwinds. Shipment performance has consistently outperformed expectations, recording uninterrupted growth for the past two years. Consumer demand has been driven by factors such as frequent new product launches, government subsidies, increased appetite for kids’ and gaming tablets, competitive pricing, promotional campaigns, and seasonal back-to-school buying, which varies across regions depending on academic calendars.”

She added, “In Q3 2025, the market saw seasonal sell-in ahead of the holiday period in the West and both holiday and 11.11 sales in Asia-Pacific and China. However, sell-in is expected to remain muted and largely flat in Q4, with a similar outlook extending into 2026 as tablet replacement demand is projected to soften.”

The global tablet market grew 5.1% year on year in Q3 2025, largely fueled by strong demand in China and the expansion of Chinese tablet vendors into the Middle East and Asia Pacific regions. Apple recorded flat growth, building on its strong Q3 2024 performance with 14.3 million units shipped. Samsung also posted flat growth, shipping 6.9 million units. Lenovo led the growth among major vendors with 3.7 million units shipped, marking a robust 23% year-on-year increase, driven by the expansion of its commercial tablet business in EMEA. Huawei followed in fourth place with 3.2 million units and 11.5% growth, while Xiaomi completed the top five, shipping 2.6 million units with a modest 2.3% annual increase.“In addition to Japan’s GIGA 2.0 project, Chromebook education deployments are expanding across other markets, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe and North America,” said Kieren Jessop, Research Manager at Omdia. “In North America, the K–12 device landscape is split, with a significant share using Chromebooks while others continue to rely on iPads. Looking ahead, we expect education funding in the US to increasingly come from state or local rather than federal sources, which could provide a steady boost to Chromebook shipments in the region. A notable example of this is New York City’s partnership with Dell and T-Mobile to provide around 350,000 LTE/5G-connected Chromebooks to public school students during the current school year.”

In Q3 2025, the Chromebook book market grew by 3.1%. Lenovo led the segment, shipping 1.4 million units – a strong 54.6% year-on-year growth. Acer followed with an 18% market share and global shipments of 0.8 million units. HP ranked third, shipping 0.7 million units and posting a 15.3% annual decline. Asus, which also benefited from Japan’s GIGA 2.0 project like Lenovo, secured fourth position with an impressive 59% year-on-year growth, while Dell rounded out the top five.

1. Keep Your Software Up to Date

Regularly updating your smartphone’s operating system (Android or iOS) and apps is one of the most effective ways to protect your device.

Why it matters:

• Updates often fix security vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.

• They improve system performance and patch bugs.

Tip:
Enable automatic updates in your phone settings, or check for updates weekly to ensure you’re running the latest versions.

2. Use Strong Screen Locks

Your phone likely contains sensitive personal information — photos, banking apps, and passwords. A weak or absent screen lock makes it an easy target.

Best practices:

• Use PINs with 6 or more digits, or better, a strong alphanumeric password.

• Enable biometric locks like fingerprint or facial recognition for faster, secure access.

• Set auto-lock to activate within 30 seconds of inactivity.

3. Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi in cafes or airports is convenient but often insecure. Hackers can intercept data transmitted over open networks.

How to stay safe:

• Avoid accessing banking, payment, or email accounts on public Wi-Fi.

• Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your data.

• Turn off auto-connect to open networks in your Wi-Fi settings.

4. Download Apps Only from Trusted Sources

Malicious apps can steal your personal data, track your activity, or infect your phone with malware.

Safe downloading tips:

• Stick to official app stores like Google Play or Apple App Store.

• Check developer names, app reviews, and download counts before installing.

• Be cautious of apps requesting unnecessary permissions (e.g., a calculator asking for camera access).

5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Even strong passwords can be compromised. 2FA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second step to verify your identity.

Where to use it:

• Enable 2FA on key accounts such as Google, Apple ID, social media, and banking apps.

• Use authentication apps (like Google Authenticator or Authy) instead of SMS when possible, as SMS codes can be intercepted.

6. Backup Your Data Regularly

Data loss can occur due to theft, hardware failure, or accidental deletion. Regular backups ensure your files are safe.

Backup options:

• Use cloud services (Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive) for automatic backups.

• Store an offline copy on an external hard drive or computer periodically.

• Verify that your backup system is working properly every few weeks.

7. Manage App Permissions

Many apps request access to your contacts, location, or microphone — even when they don’t need it.

How to control permissions:

• Go to Settings → Privacy → App Permissions (varies by OS).

• Disable unnecessary permissions, especially for camera, location, and microphone.

• Recheck permissions after major app updates.

8. Be Alert to Phishing and Scams

Cybercriminals often trick users with fake messages or links to steal login details or install malware.

Stay vigilant:

• Don’t click links or open attachments in suspicious emails or text messages.

• Check the sender’s email address or phone number carefully.

• Use spam filters and report fraudulent messages to your carrier or email provider.

9. Protect Your Physical Device

Digital security means little if your phone is lost or stolen.

Physical safety measures:

• Enable Find My Device (Android) or Find My iPhone (iOS) to locate or erase your phone remotely.

• Keep your phone in a secure pocket or bag in crowded areas.

• Avoid leaving your device unattended in public or visible in your car.

10. Be Mindful of Screen Time and Health

Smartphone safety isn’t just about digital threats — overuse can impact your physical and mental well-being.

Healthy usage habits:

• Use screen time management tools to monitor and limit daily use.

• Maintain good posture and take breaks to prevent eye strain.

• Avoid using your phone while walking or driving — distraction can lead to accidents.

Final Thoughts

Your smartphone is a powerful tool — but like any tool, it must be used responsibly. Following these ten safety tips will help you protect your personal information, avoid cyber threats, and maintain a healthier relationship with technology.

Remember: Smart usage = Safe usage.

The first half of 2025 was weighed down by multiple challenges – rising uncertainty following changes in U.S. tariff policy and related supply chain restructuring as well as cautious channel sentiment triggered by slow retail traffic and inventory adjustment by vendors. As a result, overall market volume remained flat compared to the previous year. However, in the third quarter, after inventory corrections, vendors actively seized channel opportunities and brought forward product launches to align with the back-to-school and festive periods. Samsung, Apple, Transsion, and Honor each shipped over two million additional units YoY, driving the market’s return to growth.

Vendor Highlights

Samsung remained the world’s leading vendor, shipping 60.6 million units (+6% YoY). Growth was driven by its premium Galaxy Z Fold7 / Flip7 models alongside Galaxy A07 and A17 in the mid-to-low-end segment. Strong sales of the Galaxy A series in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East contributed significantly to overall shipments.

Apple shipped 56.5 million units, up 4% YoY as the brand readied itself for the festive 4Q. The base iPhone 17 outperformed launch expectations due to improved value proposition, offering higher storage capacity without a price increase, while the revamped iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max continue to draw strong global demand. Rising demand from emerging markets, including India, is expected to further support Apple’s full-year shipment growth.

Xiaomi maintained 1% mild annual growth with 43.4 million units shipped. While shipments in China declined after subsidy programs ended, growth in Asia-Pacific and other regions offset the decline.

Transsion rose to fourth place, with shipments up 12% YoY following completion of inventory adjustments. vivo, in fifth place, remained strong in India, overtaking Huawei in Chinese market share and growing across Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America.

Regional Performance

At the regional level, shipments in North America and Greater China declined YoY while Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa recorded strong growth, driving overall global market expansion in Q3.

Africa saw shipments surge 25% YoY, as Transsion – the region’s largest player – ramped up activity following the completion of inventory adjustments earlier in the year. Asia-Pacific recorded 5% YoY increase, the highest quarterly volume since Q4 2021. In contrast, North American shipments dropped once the early pull-in triggered by tariff uncertainties concluded, while China recorded its second consecutive quarter of decline following the expiration of government subsidy effects.

Market Outlook

The global smartphone market continues to show polarized growth, with expansion in both low-end and premium segments, while the mid-range segment remains weak. The ultra-low-end segment (below $100) and high-end segment (above $700) are driving overall volume growth. Despite the recovery seen in Q3, recent component shortages and rising costs have emerged as a shared industry challenge, with the effect expected to be passed through, resulting in higher pricing for new products in the short term and hindering the growth of the low end segment demand.

“Vendors may adopt different strategies to tackle this common challenge—securing channel funding early, prioritizing high-margin models, keeping mid- and low-end devices on a defensive stance, and leveraging scaling to strengthen supply chain bargaining power. Regardless, maintaining profitability remains their shared top priority. ” said Jusy Hong, Senior Research Manager at Omdia.

The report shows that while traditional telecom revenue will grow modestly at 2.7% CAGR, the technology segment, led by hyperscale platforms such as Amazon, Alphabet, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft, is set to expand at a robust 9.4% CAGR, accounting for 55.9% of total CP revenue by 2030.

Figure 1: Yearly CP revenue, by type, 2021-30

“Telecom operators are entering a new phase of strategic investment,” said Dario Talmesio, Research Director at Omdia. “With 6G on the horizon and AI infrastructure demands accelerating, the connectivity business is shifting from volume-based pricing to value-driven connectivity.”

CAPEX Trends and Investment Drivers

Omdia forecasts telecom capex to reach $395 billion by 2030, with a 3.6% CAGR, while technology capex will surge to $545 billion, reflecting a 9.3% CAGR. Investment momentum is expected to shift toward mobile networks from 2028 onward, as Tier 1 markets prepare for 6G deployments. Fixed telecom capex will gradually decline due to market saturation. Meanwhile, AI infrastructure, cloud services, and digital sovereignty policies are driving telecom operators to expand data centers and invest in specialized hardware.

Key Market Trends

• CP capex per person will increase from $74 in 2024 to $116 in 2030, with CP capex reaching 2.5% of global GDP investment.
• Capital intensity in telecom will decline until 2027, then rise due to mobile network upgrades.
• Regional leaders in revenue and capex include North America, Oceania & Eastern Asia, and Western Europe, with Central & Southern Asia showing the highest growth potential.

Omdia’s forecast is based on a comprehensive model incorporating historical data from 67 countries, local market dynamics, regulatory trends, and technology migration patterns.

5G Standalone Networks Gain Momentum

After delays in 2024, global 5G SA rollouts are accelerating, delivering on 5G’s core promise of ultra-fast speeds, ultra-low latency, and massive connectivity.  transformative applications, particularly in manufacturing and industrial automation sectors, and other IoT-driven sectors.

“With 5G SA deployments picking up pace, the industry is finally realizing the true potential of 5G,” explains Alexander Thompson, Senior Analyst for IoT at Omdia. “2025 marks the first-time hardware and network ecosystems are aligned on RedCap, showcased by the recent Apple Watch launch supporting this technology.”

RedCap Devices Hit Key Milestones

The 5G device ecosystem reached a significant milestone.  October 2024 saw T-Mobile introduce North America’s first commercial 5G RedCap device -the TCL LINKPORT IK511 dongle. While module costs are still high, prices are projected to decrease as adoption increases, particularly in China where government subsidies are anticipated to drive market growth.

Advanced Network Capabilities Gaining Traction

Network slicing has successfully transitioned beyond trial phases with commercial offerings such as T-Mobile’s T-Priority and Verizon’s FrontLine services. Private 5G networks continue addressing critical security concerns cited by 33% of organizations in Omdia’s IoT Enterprise Survey 2025 as the top priority for their IoT initiatives.

Meanwhile, the broader 5G ecosystem is expanding through network API monetization, with several key API families now being deployed globally.

“ISAC is a unique opportunity for mobile operators to break free of their connectivity legacy,” said Dimitris Mavrakis, Senior Research Director at ABI Research. “Coupled with network APIs, they can become brokers for location and positioning across their network footprint, helping enterprises locate their assets and protect their locations. Mobile operators cannot afford to ignore ISAC, as it is key for them to continue growing their business. It is the first truly innovative concept discussed for cellular networks since 4G introduced mobile broadband.”

In 2025, vendors and mobile operators are conducting live commercial trials to understand the technical and commercial implications of deploying ISAC, while ETSI, 3GPP, and other industry bodies are continuing their standardization efforts. Initial trials in China indicate that there is some commercial interest in sensing, mostly driven by the low-altitude economy, but it is still too early to understand if the new technology makes commercial sense. The challenge is compounded by the fact that a fully capable ISAC radio is not backward compatible with existing 5G infrastructure, meaning that an upgrade could cost upwards of $50,000 to $100,000 per cell site. This may not be something mobile operators are willing to risk at the current stage of the market, but demand and economies of scale will bring prices down while exposing the market to ISAC’s capabilities. 

ISAC is a unique and challenging opportunity, and vendors are currently investing in R&D and filing for relevant patents. Although it’s early, ISAC has the capability to completely redefine the market and upset the long-established dynamics while creating burgeoning new ecosystem. As such, early adopters are starting to assess the technology today, when the interest, hype, and investment around ISAC is just ramping up.

These findings are from ABI Research’s Integrated Sensing and Communications: Market Developments & Use Case Analysis report.