Shaping the future of 6G
McKinsey February 28, 2024
Next-generation technology could spark innovation, attract investment, grow adoption, and revitalize telecommunications. But to fully benefit from 6G, the industry must overcome legacy challenges.
The telecommunications industry’s investments in disruptive wireless technologies over the past few decades have radically reshaped people’s daily lives, enabled the creation of massive new businesses, and transformed entire industries. Yet even as each new wireless generation has introduced new services, lowered costs, and improved performance, telcos have increasingly struggled to benefit from the unprecedented value creation (Exhibit 1).
The next-generation mobile standard, 6G, offers telcos the opportunity to change the status quo and revitalize the industry. If developed thoughtfully, 6G has the potential to attract sufficient cross-sector investment, drive innovation, grow adoption, and spark future...