Will 6G Be Affordable? What to Expect from the Next-Gen Internet

While most of the world is still rolling out and adopting 5G, conversations around 6G have already started gaining traction. The sixth-generation wireless technology, expected to arrive around 2030, promises lightning-fast speeds, ultra-low latency, and the ability to support everything from holographic communications to advanced AI systems.

But one major question remains: Will 6G be affordable for everyone?

In this blog, we explore the economic, technological, and societal factors that will shape the affordability of 6G. We’ll look at past trends, expected innovations, global policy efforts, and expert forecasts to provide a research-backed perspective on what 6G could mean for everyday people across the world.

What is 6G? A Quick Overview

6G is the next evolution of mobile connectivity, expected to succeed 5G networks by 2030. It will feature:

• Speeds up to 1 Tbps (terabit per second), which is over 100 times faster than 5G
• Ultra-low latency, possibly under 1 millisecond
• Greater reliability and coverage
• Integration with AI, XR (Extended Reality), and holographic communications
• Enhanced support for IoT devices and smart cities

6G isn’t just about better mobile internet. It represents a shift towards a fully connected, intelligent digital ecosystem.

Affordability: Why It Matters

Technology is only transformative when it’s accessible. Affordability plays a key role in:

• Digital inclusion: Ensuring equal access for all socioeconomic groups
• Education and work: Affordable internet is essential for online learning and remote jobs
• Innovation: Broad adoption fuels app and service development
• Economic growth: Widespread connectivity boosts GDP, especially in developing regions

If 6G remains limited to high-income users or urban areas, its potential will be lost on the majority.

Looking Back: What 4G and 5G Taught Us About Affordability

To predict how affordable 6G will be, it helps to look at how previous generations rolled out:

• 4G (2009 onwards): Initial costs were high, but rapidly fell. Today, 4G is widely available and inexpensive in many countries.
• 5G (2019 onwards): More expensive infrastructure and devices led to slower, more uneven adoption. Costs remain high in many regions.

The key insight? Network affordability improves over time, but initial access is usually restricted to wealthier regions and users.

What Will Drive 6G Costs?

Several factors will influence whether 6G will be affordable:

1. Infrastructure Development
   • 6G will require a dense network of small cell towers, satellites, and fiber backhaul.
   • Rural and underdeveloped areas may be slower to receive upgrades.
   • Smart investments and government funding can lower deployment costs.
2. Device Compatibility
   • 6G-ready smartphones, wearables, and IoT gadgets will initially be expensive.
   • Mass production, competition, and modular designs may reduce device prices over time.
3. Spectrum Licensing
   • High-frequency bands (terahertz) may require new licensing models.
   • Affordable spectrum allocation and shared networks could help reduce overall costs.
4. Business Models
   • Telecom providers may use tiered pricing or data plans to recover investments.
   • New models like “connectivity-as-a-service” or shared revenue ecosystems might emerge.
5. Government Policies and Regulation
   • Policies that promote open access, public-private partnerships, and infrastructure sharing can lower consumer costs.
   • Universal service obligations (USO) may be expanded to include 6G.

Global Economic Disparities and the Digital Divide

6G has the potential to widen the global digital divide if affordability is not prioritized. Consider:

• Developed countries may lead in 6G R&D and deployment, offering affordable plans faster.
• Developing countries could face delays due to financial constraints and weak infrastructure.
• Rural vs. urban: Urban users are more likely to benefit early due to dense populations.

To make 6G equitable, governments and international organizations must prioritize low-cost access in underserved regions.

Emerging Technologies That May Lower 6G Costs

While 6G might start off expensive, certain tech trends could make it more affordable over time:

1. Open RAN (Radio Access Network)
   • Promotes interoperability between equipment vendors
   • Reduces hardware costs through competition and software-based solutions
2. AI and Automation
   • Automates network management, reducing operating costs
   • Enables self-healing and self-optimizing networks
3. Cloud-Native Networks
   • Decentralizes processing to the cloud, reducing the need for expensive hardware
4. Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites
   • Companies like Starlink, Amazon Kuiper, and OneWeb could provide affordable 6G access globally
5. Energy-Efficient Technologies
   • Lower power consumption will reduce operational costs and help keep prices down

Research and Forecasts: What the Experts Say

1. ITU (International Telecommunication Union) has emphasized the need for affordable, inclusive 6G development in its early whitepapers.
2. Ericsson Mobility Report (2023) predicts that the cost per gigabyte for mobile data will continue to drop through 2030, suggesting more affordable 6G services over time.
3. Samsung’s 6G Vision (2020) highlights the goal of achieving “hyper-connectivity for all,” stressing affordability as a key pillar.
4. GSMA Intelligence reports that public funding and cross-border collaboration will be essential to make 6G affordable and inclusive.

Policy Recommendations for Affordable 6G

To make 6G accessible to all, experts recommend the following:

• Subsidies for infrastructure and devices in low-income areas
• Public-private partnerships for shared network investment
• Spectrum sharing to reduce operator licensing costs
• Standardized global frameworks to reduce fragmentation and encourage economies of scale
• Digital literacy initiatives to promote adoption

What Consumers Can Expect

1. At Launch (2030-2033):
   • Premium pricing for 6G-enabled devices and data plans
   • Limited coverage to tech-savvy urban areas
   • Business applications will dominate
2. Mid Adoption (2033-2035):
   • Price drops as competition increases and tech matures
   • Government-funded rural rollouts begin
   • More affordable devices enter the market
3. Mass Adoption (2035-2040):
   • 6G becomes as ubiquitous and affordable as 4G
   • Education, healthcare, and work benefit significantly
   • Innovations in AI, XR, and smart cities reach the public

Conclusion: The Road to Affordable 6G

The journey toward 6G will be long, complex, and layered with economic, technological, and policy challenges. However, if lessons from 4G and 5G are any indication, what starts as premium can become mainstream over time.

Affordability will depend on how governments, tech companies, and international bodies prioritize inclusive development. With proactive planning, innovative business models, and a global focus on digital equity, 6G can become not just a technological leap, but a transformative force for social good.

Stay connected — the future of the internet is closer than you think.

Also Read:
5G vs 6G: What’s the Real Difference?