Immersive Extended Reality (XR)—encompassing augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR)—represents one of the most transformative service opportunities for telcos in the 6G era.
By 2030, 6G could drive a $1 trillion+ market, with telcos at the helm of a digital-physical fusion.
Hyper-immersive consumer services, enterprise NaaS, and global NTN expansion will diversify revenue beyond traditional data plans, while ISAC and sustainability add unique value propositions.
ASI’s role as a network brain will be pivotal, enabling telcos to scale these opportunities efficiently and profitably.
The Vision
Holographic communication isn’t just a tech marvel—it’s a bridge to a more connected world, powered by 6G and ASI. It’s the moment your child “hugs” a holographic grandparent, or a designer sculpts a product with a teammate across the globe. For telcos, it’s a flagship service that turns networks into experiences—and profits.
What is Augmented Reality (AR)?
Augmented reality overlays digital information—images, text, or 3D objects—onto the real world, typically viewed through devices like smartphones, AR glasses, or headsets.
Unlike virtual reality (VR), which immerses users in a fully digital environment, AR enhances reality by blending virtual elements with your physical surroundings. Think Pokémon GO, where creatures appear on your phone screen in your backyard, or IKEA’s app letting you “place” furniture in your room before buying.
With 6G’s ultra-high speeds, microsecond latency, and massive device connectivity, AR is set to evolve from a niche gimmick into a ubiquitous tool across industries—powered further by artificial super intelligence (ASI) to deliver seamless, intelligent experiences.
Key AR Applications
Here are some standout AR applications 6G can unlock, with their potential impact and telco opportunities:
Immersive Entertainment and Gaming
AR transforms gaming and media by projecting interactive characters or storylines into your environment. Imagine a superhero battle unfolding on your street or a historical reenactment in your park, with multiplayer support for thousands in real time. For example a 6G-powered “Avengers AR” game where players fight holograms in their city, synced globally.
Revenue Models
- Subscription Plans: “AR Entertainment Pass” for $15/month, offering unlimited gaming and streaming.
- Microtransactions: Charge $1 per AR event (e.g., live movie overlays), leveraging 6G’s billing precision.
- Content Deals: Partner with studios (e.g., Disney) for exclusive AR content, splitting per-user revenue.
Retail and E-Commerce
- Application: AR lets customers “try before they buy” in real time—visualizing clothes on their body, furniture in their home, or makeup on their face, all streamed via 6G with zero lag.
- Example: An AR app from a fashion brand overlays a dress on you as you move, with ASI suggesting complementary items based on your style.
Revenue Models
- Pay-Per-Use: Charge retailers $0.05 per AR session, scaling with usage.
- Enterprise Bundles: Offer “AR Commerce” packages to brands (e.g., $10,000/month) for unlimited customer trials.
- Ad Revenue: Embed AR ads (e.g., a virtual billboard in your kitchen), sharing profits with advertisers.
Education and Training
AR enhances learning by projecting interactive 3D models—dissecting a virtual frog in biology, exploring a Roman ruin in history, or simulating machinery repairs for technicians. For example a student uses AR glasses to “walk through” a 6G-enabled virtual solar system, guided by an ASI tutor.
Revenue Models
- Institutional Licensing: Sell to schools/universities (e.g., $50,000/year per campus) for AR curricula.
- Consumer Plans: Offer “AR Learning” subscriptions for homeschoolers (e.g., $20/month).
- Training Contracts: Secure deals with corporations (e.g., $100,000/year for factory AR training).
Healthcare
AR assists surgeons with real-time overlays of patient anatomy, guides paramedics in emergencies, or helps patients visualize rehab exercises—all streamed flawlessly via 6G.
Imagine a doctor seeing a 3D heart model over a patient during surgery, with ASI highlighting anomalies.
Revenue Models
- Healthcare NaaS: Long-term contracts with hospitals (e.g., $1M/year) for AR-enabled networks.
- Per-Procedure Fees: Charge $100 per AR-assisted surgery, scaling with adoption.
- Wearable Plans: Bundle AR health apps with 6G connectivity (e.g., $30/month per patient).
The Vision
AR, turbocharged by 6G and ASI, turns the world into an interactive canvas—where education, work, and play blend seamlessly with reality. For telcos, it’s a chance to sell not just data, but experiences, driving revenue through innovation.
