India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024 kicked off today, October 15, highlighting India’s advances in 6G technology and the latest innovations in telecommunications. With the theme ‘The Future is Now’, the event is expected to showcase 5G applications from leading telecom players, along with updates on cloud and edge computing, IoT, cybersecurity, semiconductors, green technology, satellite communications, and electronics manufacturing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024, being hosted by India for the first time. This event, organised by the International Telecommunication Union, also marks the assembly's debut in the Asia-Pacific region.
IMC 2024 has drawn industry giants like Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm, and Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman of Bharti Airtel, along with government officials including Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
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Ambani's Suggestions To PM Modi
During his speech, Akash Ambani emphasised the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) for India's future. He elaborated his thoughts in two suggestions for the PM Modi Government. “My first suggestion, artificial intelligence will transform every aspect of our lives and bring in an era of unimaginable abundance. With AI, India has the potential to completely transform into a new-age factory and service centre for the world. AI is absolutely critical for realising our dream of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Therefore, India should urgently embrace AI with a holistic strategy driven by Atmanirbhar efforts,” Ambani said.
In his second suggestion, he urged the government to develop a comprehensive AI strategy to position India as a global AI leader by 2047. Ambani also advocated for expediting the revision of India’s data centre policy, emphasising the importance of keeping Indian data within domestic borders. "We request the government to expedite the updating of the 2020 draft of the data centre policy that Indian data should remain in India’s data centres. Therefore, Indian companies ready to set up AI and ML data centres should get all necessary incentives including incentives for power consumption," Ambani said.
Sunil Mittal praised India's rapid 5G rollout, noting that the country has successfully extended 5G networks to both urban and rural areas. He also highlighted the importance of satellite communications (satcom) in connecting remote regions, suggesting that low-earth orbit networks could help bridge the digital divide in India.
Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted the impressive growth in India’s mobile and broadband connectivity. He noted that mobile connections have risen to 1.16 billion and broadband users have surged to 924 million. Scindia also pointed out India’s fast-tracked rollout of 5G, with 98 per cent of districts and 90 per cent of villages already covered within just 21 months.
“By mid of next year, we would have rolled out 4G across the length and breadth of India. We’ve had the fastest 5G rollout in India," Scindia said. “When it comes to the area of telecom, we are steadfastly bridging the gaps between the haves and have-nots.”
Record WTSA Turnout
In addition to telecom advancements, Scindia praised India’s leadership role in global technology discussions, referencing India’s hosting of the G20 Summit and the WTSA assembly, which has attracted over 3,200 delegates from 160 countries — a record turnout for the event.
IMC 2024 promises to be a landmark event, spotlighting India’s progress in telecommunications and its potential to shape the future of global technology.