We live in a world where the rapid evolution of technology is a given. However, if we pause to consider just how much telecommunications and telephony have changed over the past quarter century, it becomes interesting to speculate how communications are likely to evolve by 2050. We can be certain that some of our speculations will be wrong, yet anticipation is valuable!
From Brick Phones to 8G: What’s Next for Mobile Communication?
Mobile communications have evolved from first-generation wireless networks (1G) and clumsy mobile phones the size of a shoe (No offense meant to Maxwell Smart!) to 5G smartphones that can fold and hold the processing power of a supercomputer from decades earlier. Mobile networks have been evolving roughly every decade, starting in 1990 with 2G, followed by 3G (2000), 4G (2010), 5G in 2020, and 6G forecast for introduction by 2030 (McLellan, 2023).
Advancements anticipated from 6G include greater incorporation of AI, extended reality (XR), and hyper intelligent network solutions impacting cities, farms, and manufacturing (McLellan, 2023). If the pattern of new generation releases continues, we could expect 7G by 2040 and 8G by 2050! What could 8G wireless connectivity offer? What would this mean for the service providers? How will they evolve and what will that mean for consumers and businesses?
6G networks are expected to offer data communications rates exceeding 100 gigabits per second and miniscule latency rates (microseconds). The impact in parallel of quantum computing and quantum networks will be significant. This will enable holographic communications, brain to computer interfacing, and digital twins that virtually replicate a real object or person (Trrad, 2025). Anticipated challenges associated with 6G include privacy, the ownership of data, and security vulnerabilities. These challenges must be considered before we can predict the impact of 8G networking twenty years later!
The Death of the Desk Phone and the Dawn of Device-Free Telephony
Another aspect of telephony is the physical device that we use. In 2025, landlines – those hardwired phone services – are almost gone (Fox, 2025) in the U.S. Traditional carriers have discontinued copper-based connections. Physical phones – referred to as handsets – still exist but will likely be gone within the next five to ten years – even those that use the Internet for connection. That separate desk phone. Gone. Physical phones in hotel rooms. Gone.
By 2050, all communication will be wireless. What about the distinction between a personal communication device and a business device? Will that distinction still exist in 2050 or will all communication, regardless of function, be via the same medium? Physical business telephony device manufacturers like Polycom, Yealink, SNOM, and Grandstream will either have evolved their business models or disappeared much sooner than 2050. Cellular telephony towers will also likely have disappeared by 2050, as most traffic will be directed to one or more of the satellite constellations from Amazon, SpaceX, or others (Cohen, 2025).
The ability to communicate in real time will be as important as ever in 2050. However, will the term “telephony” still be relevant? By brainstorming and hypothesizing potential changes, carriers and entrepreneurs can anticipate and prepare for the world of communication in 2050. It is not too soon to start thinking about new services and potential customer demand! It is important, however, that we also recognize that some of the most ingenious entrepreneurs are cyber criminals and nation states! That means that the protection of confidential information and systems availability and integrity will be more important than ever! Let’s see what the future holds!
References
Cohen, A. (2025). The future of technology [Interview].
Fox, E. (2025). 2025: The Network Takes Center Stage. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2025/02/20/2025-the-network-takes-center-stage/
McLellan, C. (2023). What is the state of 6G, and when will it arrive? Here’s what to look out for. ZD NET. https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/what-is-the-state-of-6g-and-when-will-it-arrive-heres-what-to-look-out-for/
Trrad, I. (2025, 27-28 March 2025). 5G and Beyond: Evolution of Wireless Communication Technologies. 2025 International Conference on Frontier Technologies and Solutions (ICFTS),