5G, 6G and Immersive Content Delivery

The surge in immersive content delivery is pushing wireless networks to their limits, as 5G and 6G technologies struggle to meet the demands of next-generation experiences. According to a recent report by InterDigital and Futuresource Consulting, the growing appetite for immersive entertainment could strain existing infrastructure, creating opportunities for innovation in network design and performance.

The report, titled "Media over Wireless: Networks for Ubiquitous Video," highlights the increasing demand for video and immersive experiences on wireless networks. Current systems may fall short as extended reality (XR) applications place unprecedented pressure on network capacity and reliability. This trend underscores the need for significant upgrades to support the future of digital entertainment.

XR Market Growth

The XR market is expanding rapidly, with device shipments projected to quadruple by 2031, reaching 83 million units globally. Without substantial network improvements, this growth could stall, as 40% of consumers already express dissatisfaction with current network performance for video streaming. Milind Kulkarni, Head of Wireless Labs at InterDigital, emphasizes the importance of future wireless systems adapting to the shift from passive video consumption to immersive interactive experiences.

6G and XR

XR technology is emerging as a critical use case for 6G networks, stress-testing wireless infrastructure with its demanding requirements for throughput and latency. Both 5G-Advanced and 6G architectures are essential for supporting immersive and XR content. Futuresource anticipates that 6G deployment will align with the maturation of XR hardware and software ecosystems between 2028 and 2032.

By 2037, the XR market is expected to reach 130 million 6G-enabled devices, marking a significant leap from today's figures. By 2030, XR is forecasted to become the second-largest category of 6G users, following smartphones, enabling new immersive experiences such as city tours, live events, and entertainment in public transport.

Lionel Oisel, Head of Video Labs at InterDigital, notes that XR is transitioning into the mainstream. As 6G standards are released around 2030, XR entertainment will become an expectation, featuring interactive digital sports venues, real-time augmented city guides, and digital twins. The quality of these experiences will depend on ultra-low latency, responsive interactivity, and seamless media synchronization.

In summary, the convergence of 5G, 6G, and immersive content delivery is driving a transformative shift in wireless network design. As XR technology advances, the demand for robust, high-performance networks will continue to grow, shaping the future of digital entertainment and user experiences.