India Mobile Congress 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 8th World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA), organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. For the first time, India and the Asia-Pacific region are hosting this significant global event. During his address, PM Modi called for global standards in ethical artificial intelligence (AI) and data privacy.
“We need global standards for ethical AI and data privacy that respect the diversity of various countries,” the Prime Minister said.
During his address, PM Modi highlighted the need for international standards on ethical AI and data privacy. He compared it to the aviation sector’s global regulatory framework, emphasising that the digital realm should adopt similar safeguards. "The WTSA needs to think about this and make how telecommunication safe for everyone so that in this interconnected world, security is not an afterthought. India’s Data Protection Act and National Cybersecurity Strategy aims to make a safe digital ecosystem in India," PM Modi said, urging global action on these fronts.
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India's Digital Transformation
PM Modi highlighted India's rapid digital progress, citing initiatives like Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and UPI. He predicted the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) would revolutionise digital commerce, noting how India’s digital platforms eased lives during the COVID-19 crisis.
Affordable Internet, 5G Expansion
Touching on India's telecom achievements, PM Modi revealed that mobile data costs in India have dropped to 12 cents per gigabyte — significantly cheaper than in many other countries. "Today, mobile data in India costs 12 cents per GB. In other countries, one GB of data is ten times more costly. Indians consume an average of 30 GB of data every month today," he said.
“In the past ten years, the optical fibres that India has laid is eight times the distance between the moon and the earth. Two years ago, we launched 5G at the India Mobile Congress. Today, every zilla is connected through 5G. India is now a 5G market, now we are also quickly working on 6G technology,” the Prime Minister said.
Telecom Sector Reforms, Digital Equity
PM Modi also stressed the importance of security, dignity, and fairness in technology, calling for no country, region, or community to be left behind in the digital age. He encouraged innovation coupled with inclusion to build a technically strong and ethically sound future.
India has seen significant growth in mobile phone manufacturing, with over 200 facilities now operational, up from just two in 2014. “From chips to the finished product, we are looking to give the world a made-in-India phone. We are also investing in the semiconductor ecosystem as well,” PM Modi said, reflecting on India’s ambitions in the semiconductor space.
India's Digital Future
Looking ahead, PM Modi linked the WTSA to the India Mobile Congress, both of which revolve around the theme "The Future is Now." He highlighted the global importance of connectivity and consensus, positioning these events as key platforms to empower the world.
Reflecting on India’s digital journey over the past decade, the Prime Minister reiterated the four pillars of Digital India — affordable devices, comprehensive connectivity, accessible data, and a ‘digital-first’ approach — as the driving force behind India’s efforts to promote equity and opportunity through technology.