This BCG and Qualcomm report argues that 6G will be the foundational network infrastructure for the AI era, enabling intelligent, always-connected systems that extend far beyond the capabilities of 5G. While 5G has already generated more than $1 trillion in global economic impact and connected nearly 3 billion users, AI-driven applications are creating new demands for higher uplink capacity, lower latency, integrated sensing, and distributed computing. The report predicts that future AI assistants, autonomous vehicles, robotics, AR/XR experiences, and smart infrastructure will require networks that seamlessly coordinate devices, edge computing, and cloud resources. Designed for commercial rollout around 2030, 6G aims to deliver AI-native connectivity, real-time responsiveness, ubiquitous coverage, and enhanced security, creating the foundation for immersive digital experiences, industrial automation, smart cities, and physical AI systems. The authors emphasize that spectrum policy, standards leadership, R&D investment, and talent development will be critical to capturing the economic value of next-generation wireless connectivity.

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