As immersive content consumption surges, the demand on existing wireless infrastructure intensifies, necessitating revolutionary advancements in network technology. A recent study by InterDigital, in collaboration with Futuresource Consulting, underscores the critical need for evolution within our wireless networks to accommodate the burgeoning growth of immersive and extended reality (XR) applications. The report, titled “Media over Wireless: Networks for Ubiquitous Video,” paints a vivid picture of how traditional network architectures are ill-equipped to support the next wave of immersive entertainment experiences.

The statistics are compelling. Currently, video traffic constitutes a staggering 69% of all internet data usage, with smartphones alone accounting for 74% of this consumption. This is driven primarily by the proliferation of social media video clips and streaming services that have become ubiquitous in daily life. Notably, a significant portion of global consumers—26%—opt to view subscription video-on-demand services like Netflix and Prime Video on their mobile devices, as contrasted with 41% preferring to watch on television. This trend towards mobile consumption is expected to magnify, particularly within the rapidly growing gaming sector, projected to generate revenues of $85 billion by the end of 2024.

However, the real catalyst for change lies in the anticipated growth of the XR market. By 2031, the number of XR devices shipped globally is expected to quadruple, reaching an estimated 83 million units. Despite this growth potential, the risk of stunted adoption looms large, with 40% of consumers currently expressing dissatisfaction with existing network performance. This underscores an urgent need for significant enhancements in wireless frameworks, especially before the XR market can fully flourish.

Looking towards the future, advancements in 5G-Advanced and the emerging 6G architectures are seen as pivotal in unlocking the potential of XR content. Futuresource anticipates that 6G will likely be deployed in tandem with the maturity of XR hardware and software ecosystems between 2028 and 2032. By 2037, projections indicate that the XR market could encompass around 130 million 6G-enabled devices, positioning XR as the second most significant application category to incorporate 6G capabilities, following smartphones.

As Milind Kulkarni, Head of Wireless Labs at InterDigital, aptly noted, “The high demand for more immersive entertainment cannot be ignored.” He highlighted the transition from merely consuming video to fully engaging with it in interactive environments. This evolvement necessitates a reimagining of wireless systems to manage the intensive throughput and latency demands characteristic of XR applications, which will become increasingly prevalent.

Moreover, technological advancements such as those developed by Nvidia could play a vital role in shaping 6G networks. The company’s recent introduction of an AI-powered cloud-based platform allows for simulation and testing of diverse communications scenarios, involving significant participants like Nokia and Samsung. This collaborative approach indicates a burgeoning synergy between telecom equipment suppliers and technology innovators, which will be crucial for advancing mobile infrastructure.

Ericsson’s insights further illuminate the fundamental developments needed to elevate XR use cases with 6G technology. Their research highlights the importance of optimisation in XR device ecosystems and the integration of communication, computation, and sensing capabilities. The convergence of these domains will enable networks to adapt XR content dynamically to the surrounding physical environments, setting a new standard for interactive experiences.

The global 6G market is projected to experience explosive growth, with forecasts suggesting a rise from USD 4.2 billion in 2022 to USD 68.69 billion by 2035. This expansion will be driven by demands for faster data speeds, reduced latency, and enhanced connectivity, particularly as industries embrace automation and AI-driven applications. With an anticipated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 76.9% between 2030 and 2035, the 6G landscape is poised to foster new business models centred around immersive virtual environments and real-time analytics.

As industries transition towards the next generation, the transformative power of 6G will extend beyond entertainment, reshaping sectors such as healthcare, smart cities, and industrial automation. The development of advanced features, including holographic communications, is likely to redefine how we interact with technology. Therefore, as we edge closer to 2030 and the launch of initial 6G standards, it’s evident that immersive experiences will evolve from being a novelty to an expectation.

In summary, the imminent intersection of XR innovations and 6G super-fast connectivity not only heralds a new era of digital engagement but also accentuates the critical need for advanced wireless networks capable of sustaining these advancements. The landscape of entertainment and interactivity is on the brink of a seismic shift, and with it comes the imperative for the telecommunications industry to rise to the occasion.

Reference Map:

Source: Noah Wire Services