ABI Research Forecasts 6G Radio Revenue to Reach $67 Billion by 2034
ABI Research reported that the 2026 to 2028 investment window would influence how 6G deployments unfold, including whether operators focus on connectivity or expand into AI infrastructure and new revenue models. The firm tied the decision to revenue trajectories expected during the 6G transition.
ABI Research forecast total 6G radio revenue would rise from US$8.1 billion in 2029 to US$67.0 billion in 2034. The firm also projected AI-chipset radio revenue would increase from US$1.8 billion in 2029 to US$57.7 billion in 2034, moving from 23% to 86% of total 6G radio revenue over the period. The firm cited 2029 through 2031 as an economic validation phase, when operators would test whether enterprise demand, inference services, and token-based consumption models supported broader investment in distributed AI infrastructure.
In ABI Research’s scenario descriptions, 6G deployments were expected to begin as a radio upgrade before evolving into AI-native networks supported by distributed AI infrastructure. The firm distinguished two paths: a lower-risk RAN-led upgrade path that kept changes limited to the RAN and incremental upgrades to the core and transport layers, and an AI-Grid model that required redesign across core, edge, OSS/BSS, automation, and compute to support real-time workload placement and AI-native services.
Michael Moreno, Research Analyst at ABI Research, said, “Operators have a narrow window to decide what role they want to play in the 6G era,” adding, “A simple radio upgrade improves capacity and efficiency, but the larger long-term opportunity lies in building the compute, orchestration, and service layers needed to support distributed AI workloads and enterprise AI monetization.” He later said, “The real question is not whether AI will be part of 6G, but who will capture the value it creates,” and that Tier-1 operators may invest in AI infrastructure ownership and application enablement while smaller operators would focus on partnerships, AI hosting, and selective edge opportunities. ABI Research said the findings came from its “6G Deployment Scenarios: From a Simple Radio Upgrade to Distributed AI Infrastructure” report, part of the company’s Telco AI research service.
Provided by Globe Newswire on behalf of ABI Research. Read the original.