Is the Race for Mobile Bandwidth Over? 1Gbps May Be Enough

The global race to expand mobile bandwidth may be nearing its end. Data shows that terrestrial and mobile data growth is slowing, and data rate demand may peak below 1 Gbps in the next few years. Current mainstream consumer applications require far less than 1 Gbps, even high-bandwidth applications like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. While future technologies like AI, autonomous driving, and the metaverse may increase bandwidth demand, existing 4G and 5G networks appear sufficient. Telecom companies should shift their R&D focus from bandwidth expansion to cost control and service improvement to adapt to the new reality of slowing bandwidth growth.