6G Moves Closer as Global Subscriptions Set to Reach 424 Million by 2031

The global telecom industry is stepping up preparations for 6G, with worldwide subscriptions forecast to reach 424 million by 2031, according to new research from Omdia, reported by TelecomLead on November 11, 2026.

The 6G Era Begins in 2029, but Growth Will Be Slower Than 5G

The global telecom industry is stepping up preparations for 6G, with worldwide subscriptions forecast to reach 424 million by 2031. However, the adoption curve is expected to be slower than that of 5G, according to the latest market forecast from Omdia, published on 11 November 2026.

First Movers

The first commercial 6G networks are expected to launch in 2029, with China, the United States, South Korea, Japan and selected Middle Eastern markets likely to lead the initial deployments. More than 50 countries could have commercial 6G services by 2031. However, adoption is expected to remain relatively modest, accounting for approximately 2.8% of global mobile subscriptions.

Beyond higher data speeds, 6G is expected to introduce increasingly AI-native network architectures, integrated sensing and communication, and new opportunities for industrial IoT, autonomous systems and connected infrastructure. These developments will place additional demands on network architecture, interoperability, security and intelligent traffic management.

Preparing today’s networks for tomorrow’s connectivity

The transition to 6G will not happen overnight. Operators must continue managing existing 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G infrastructures while preparing for increasingly complex, software-driven network environments.

This makes flexible and converged signaling infrastructure an important part of the evolution. Solutions capable of supporting multiple generations of mobile technology can help operators modernize their networks without introducing additional technology silos.

This is where BroadForward has a relevant role to play. Its unified BFX signaling platform brings together signaling, routing, interworking and security capabilities across 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G within a common software framework.

By supporting cloud-native deployment, open architectures and centralized management, BroadForward helps operators build a more flexible network foundation as the industry moves towards 6G.

Although commercial 6G deployment is still some years away, preparing the underlying network architecture today will be essential. The evolution towards 6G is not simply about introducing a new radio technology; it is also about ensuring that increasingly intelligent, interconnected networks can communicate securely and efficiently.

Sources: TelecomLead – Global 6G Subscribers to Reach 424 Million by 2031; Omdia – The 6G era begins in 2029.