At an international technology conference hosted by the Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT) in Nagpur, Malaysian expert Dr. Badlishah Ahmad presented a bold forecast: **5G networks are expected to contribute an estimated $13.2 trillion to the global economy by 2035. Dr. Ahmad delivered this keynote at the event, which was conducted under the guidance of SIT Director Prof. Nitin Rakesh and showcased 299 research papers from prestigious institutions such as IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Patna, as well as international entries from countries like Saudi Arabia, Luxembourg, Uzbekistan, and Mexico.
In his address, Dr. Ahmad emphasized that while 5G has already revolutionized mobile and IoT connectivity, the future lies in 6G. He outlined how the next generation of networks will not just be faster, but “intelligent”—incorporating ultra-fast data speeds, near-zero latency, and massive device connectivity to power technologies such as extended reality (XR), autonomous systems, industrial automation, and advanced robotics.
Dr. Ahmad further elaborated that 6G networks will unify communication, sensing, and AI, enabling networks to perceive their environments and dynamically optimize performance through predictive machine learning. This vision positions 6G as not merely a speed upgrade, but as a foundational leap toward responsive and adaptive digital ecosystems.
Highlighting the significance of complementary technologies, Dr. Ahmad also mentioned Zigbee, a low-power, short-range communication protocol adept at forming mesh networks and offering secure, energy-efficient connectivity—a vital piece of the future connectivity puzzle.
The conference additionally spotlighted Nagpur’s rapid growth trajectory, citing a 2019 projection that ranked it among the world’s fastest-growing cities, reinforcing both the city’s relevance and ambition as host.
Why This Matters
Economic Leap: The staggering projection of $13.2 trillion in global economic contribution from 5G underscores its transformative potential—a figure reinforced by industry analyses from IHS Markit and Qualcomm.
Beyond Speed: The focus on 6G’s intelligence—AI integration, environment sensing, and self-optimization—signals a shift from mere connectivity to context-aware, adaptive networks.
Ecosystem Integration: Mention of Zigbee highlights the multi-tiered nature of digital infrastructure, indicating that a diversity of technologies remains essential alongside mainstream cellular developments.
Global & Local Synergy: Featuring contributions from top-tier Indian and international research institutions, the event positions Nagpur as both a hub of local innovation and a participant in global tech discourse.