Nokia Predicts AI Will Drive 44% of Global Network Traffic by 2035

Nokia has released its Global Network Traffic Report 2026-2035. It says future networks will not only serve people, but also support more and more connected machines. AI will bring bigger upload demands and faster response needs.

The report predicts AI will drive about 44% of global network traffic by 2035. Monthly traffic will grow almost four times from 2026, reaching about 3,789 EB. Agent AI traffic will hit 160 times the 2026 level, and physical AI 105 times.

The rise of AI agents and connected machines is challenging today's download-focused network design. Robots and connected cars, known as physical AI, will send over 90% of their traffic upstream by 2035. Networks will need more upload bandwidth and real-time capacity.

The report also notes that fixed wireless access (FWA) will make up over one-third of consumer mobile network traffic by 2035. Mobile networks will play a bigger role in home broadband beyond traditional mobile services.