Video Growth Strains Internet: XR on the Rise
Source: stocktitan.net
New research from InterDigital and Futuresource Consulting, released May 27, 2025, reveals that the increase in immersive content consumption is expected to burden wireless infrastructure. The study, titled “Media over Wireless: Networks for Ubiquitous Video,” examines the growing demand for video and immersive experiences over wireless networks. It suggests network architecture must advance to handle demand as extended reality (XR) content becomes more accessible.
Video already accounts for 69% of all internet data traffic and 74% of smartphone data consumption. XR applications are placing demands on wireless networks, and without upgrades, the market could face stalled adoption of immersive devices. Currently, 40% of consumers are dissatisfied with network performance.
XR Market Growth
By 2031, XR device shipments are projected to increase fourfold over 2025 levels, reaching 83 million units globally.
6G and XR
According to Milind Kulkarni, Head of Wireless Labs at InterDigital, XR is a stress test for wireless networks and the defining use case for 6G and next-gen video codecs. Futuresource predicts that 6G deployment will coincide with the maturity of XR hardware and software ecosystems between 2028 and 2032.
Lionel Oisel, Head of Video Labs at InterDigital, said that XR entertainment is going to become an expectation. The success of these experiences will hinge on quality of experience, including ultra-low latency and consistent media synchronisation to unlock XR’s full potential.
InterDigital is a research and development company focused on wireless, video, and AI technologies. They develop technologies for communications and entertainment products and services and license their innovations to various companies. InterDigital was founded in 1972 and is listed on Nasdaq.