The eighth edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) officially commenced today, October 15, and is set to run for four days, concluding on October 18. This prestigious event, regarded as one of the largest and most influential technology forums in the country, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In addition to the IMC, Modi also opened the World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly (WTSA) 2024, which is organized by the International Telecommunication Union, a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for coordinating global telecommunication standards and policies. During his address at the opening ceremony, Modi emphasized the transformative impact of digital technology in India, stating, “India has democratised digital technology,” highlighting the government's commitment to making technology accessible to all citizens.
In his speech, Modi elaborated on the significance of telecommunications, asserting that it serves as a means of fostering equity, opportunity, and economic growth across the nation. He recalled the introduction of the Digital India initiative a decade ago, which aimed to create a comprehensive strategy to revolutionize the nation’s technological landscape. This strategy encompassed four key pillars: reducing device costs, ensuring nationwide digital connectivity, making data widely accessible, and adopting a 'digital-first' approach as the guiding principle for future development. "In India, telecommunications goes beyond mere connectivity; it is an essential tool for bridging divides and creating opportunities," he stated, emphasizing the broader societal implications of technological advancements.
The Prime Minister drew a compelling connection between the goals of WTSA and the IMC, noting that both seek to empower individuals and nations through improved connectivity and consensus-building. “WTSA focuses on achieving global empowerment through consensus, while the India Mobile Congress aims to empower through enhanced connectivity,” Modi explained, stressing the importance of collaboration in achieving shared objectives. He underscored the critical role these elements play in a world increasingly marked by conflict, asserting that fostering connectivity and building consensus are essential for creating a more harmonious global community.
Modi further shared impressive achievements in India's telecommunications infrastructure over the past decade, showcasing the nation’s rapid progress in this vital sector. He mentioned that the country has successfully laid optical fibres spanning a distance equivalent to eight times the distance from the Earth to the Moon, highlighting the ambitious scale of India's infrastructure development. Notably, he pointed out that at the previous India Mobile Congress two years ago, the groundbreaking 5G technology was introduced, and now every district in India boasts 5G coverage, marking a significant milestone in the country's technological evolution. “India has firmly established itself as a robust 5G market, and we are now making swift progress towards developing 6G technology,” he remarked, indicating the government’s forward-thinking approach to telecommunications.
Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Minister of Civil Aviation and Electronics and Information Technology, also addressed attendees at the opening event, expressing confidence in India’s technological advancements. “We march with the world in 5G, but we shall lead the world in 6G,” he stated, reflecting the government’s ambition to position India at the forefront of global technological innovation. He highlighted the economic potential of 5G technology, projecting that it is anticipated to inject an astounding $450 billion into the Indian economy by the year 2040. Scindia emphasized that the rollout of 5G has successfully covered all 36 states and Union Territories, reaching 98% of the districts and 80% of the population in just 22 months, a remarkable achievement in such a short timeframe.
IMC 2024 is being held at Pragati Maidan, a prominent venue for major exhibitions and events in Delhi, and is expected to draw participation from an impressive lineup of leading players in the tech and telecommunications industries. Companies such as Xiaomi, Qualcomm, Reliance Jio, and Ericsson are among the prominent exhibitors and sponsors at the event. Furthermore, the IMC will feature the showcasing of innovative technologies, including the popular Meta Ray-Ban XR glasses, which are anticipated to attract significant interest from attendees and industry stakeholders alike.
As the event unfolds over the next few days, it promises to highlight the future of connectivity and the integral role of technology in shaping India’s digital landscape. The IMC is expected to foster discussions around the latest trends in telecommunications, the implications of emerging technologies, and the collaborative efforts required to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapidly evolving digital environment. With a focus on enhancing connectivity and leveraging technology for economic development, IMC 2024 is set to serve as a vital platform for dialogue and innovation in the ever-expanding realm of mobile technology and digital transformation in India.
