Kicking off the seventh edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC), Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled India's ambitious strides in the realm of 6G technology. The event, hosted at the Bharat Mandapam convention centre in Delhi's Pragati Maidan, which also served as the venue for the recent G20 Summit, has drawn considerable attention as the epicentre of innovation and technological progress.
During his keynote speech, Prime Minister Modi disclosed the nation's remarkable advancement in mobile broadband speed, surging from the 118th position to the 43rd spot. Furthermore, he lauded India's extraordinary accomplishment in the rapid deployment of 5G mobile telephony, with an impressive setup of 400,000 5G base stations within a single year of rollout.
Prime Minister Modi emphasised the profound impact of ongoing technological advancements on our present and future. Addressing the audience at an event held amidst the dynamic backdrop of the 21st century's ever-evolving landscape, he highlighted the potential to transform the lives of millions.
Prime Minister Modi discussed a wide spectrum of technological domains, including telecommunications, cutting-edge technology, connectivity, and various emerging sectors. He emphasised the forthcoming transformation in areas such as 6G telecommunications, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, semiconductor technology, unmanned aerial systems (drones), and the space industry. These changes, he asserted, are poised to usher in a future that is markedly distinct from the present.
Inaugurating 100 5G labs, strategically located in renowned engineering colleges across the country, the Prime Minister underscored the significance of embracing emerging technology. He emphasised that "the future is no longer a decade or a century away, but due to advances in technology, the future is here and now."
The India Mobile Congress, a collaborative effort between the Department of Telecommunications and the Cellular Operators Association of India, is set to become a catalyst for innovation, knowledge sharing, and industry networking. Drawing over 100,000 participants, the event showcases a dynamic roster of more than 1,300 delegates and 400 speakers hailing from 31 different countries, solidifying its status as a global tech extravaganza.
One of the standout features of this year's congress is the introduction of "Aspire," designed to nurture and support young entrepreneurs seeking to establish businesses in the telecom and digital sectors. This initiative aligns seamlessly with Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnav's vision of positioning India as a technology superpower.
The IMC 2023, as outlined by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), will encompass discussions spanning a wide array of pivotal topics. Key areas of focus include the expansion of 5G technology, preparations for the impending 6G era, broadcasting, drone manufacturing, semiconductor production, and sustainable technology. Furthermore, the event anticipates significant discourse on the application and progression of artificial intelligence in India.