Highlights
- IMC 2024 kicks off today in Delhi with PM Modi inaugurating the event.
- PM credits India for “democratising digital technology.”
- The event focuses on 5G, AI, Semiconductors, IoT, Cybersecurity and next-gen tech demos.
India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, the eighth edition of the annual tech event was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. PM also inaugurated the World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly (WTSA) 2024 organised by the International Telecommunication Union, a specialised agency of the United Nations. (WTSA) 2024 is being organised for the first time in India as well as the Asia-Pacific.
#WATCH | PM @narendramodi inspects the exhibition at International Telecommunication Union – World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly #WTSA2024 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, accompanied by Union Communications Minister @JM_Scindia pic.twitter.com/GNfR15uwlv
— DD India (@DDIndialive) October 15, 2024
“We need global standards for ethical AI and data privacy that respects the diversity of various countries,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the inauguration of the 2024 India Mobile Congress.
@nehasatak, Founder and CEO of @Astrometech, met with Hon’ble Prime Minister @narendramodi during the inaugural session of the
ITU-WTSA. pic.twitter.com/BADZDjwzRi— Technology Development Board (@tdbgoi) October 15, 2024
आज का ये आयोजन standards और services को एक ही मंच पर ले आया है।
आज भारत quality service पर बहुत ज्यादा focus कर रहा है। हम अपने standards पर भी विशेष बल दे रहे हैं। ऐसे में WTSA का अनुभव भारत को एक नई ऊर्जा देने वाला होगा।
– पीएम @narendramodi#IndiaMobileCongress… pic.twitter.com/y1AoEZnp9l
— MP MyGov (@MP_MyGov) October 15, 2024
Praising India’s smartphone manufacturing capabilities, PM Modi said, “In 2014, there were only two mobile manufacturing units. Today, it is more than 200. […] India has democratised digital technology.”
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He also said that India had successfully reduced the cost of mobile data through reforms in the telecom sector. “Today, mobile data in India costs 12 cents per GB,” the prime minister said, adding that the government was working on rolling out 6G technology soon.
Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also addressed the gathering. “We march with the world in 5G, but we shall lead the world in 6G,” Scindia said.
“We march with the world in #5G, but we shall lead the world in 6G” – @JM_Scindia @Officejmscindia
“In India, 5G is anticipated to inject an astounding 450 billion dollars into the economy by 2040. We have rolled out 5G across all 36 states & UTs covering 98% of our districts… pic.twitter.com/YzOQDLJ5Vn
— India Mobile Congress (@exploreIMC) October 15, 2024
“In India, 5G is anticipated to inject an astounding 450 billion dollars into the economy by 2040. We have rolled out 5G across all 36 states & UTs covering 98 per cent of our districts and 80 per cent of our population in just 22 months,” Scindia adds.
The eighth edition of the India Mobile Congress is being held at Delhi’s Pragati Maidan for the next four days with the theme ‘The Future is Now’.
Telecom companies will be demonstrating 5G use cases, tech innovations pertaining to AI, cloud and edge computing, IoT, semiconductors, cybersecurity, green tech, satcom and electronics manufacturing.
“In India, telecommunications goes beyond connectivity — it’s a means of fostering equity and opportunity. A decade ago, when I introduced the Digital India initiative, I emphasised the need for a comprehensive strategy. We identified four key pillars: reducing device costs, ensuring digital connectivity across the entire nation, making data widely accessible, and adopting a ‘digital-first’ approach as our guiding principle,” he adds.
“WTSA focuses on achieving global empowerment through consensus, while the India Mobile Congress aims to empower through enhanced connectivity. The connection between consensus and connectivity has been highlighted at this event. In a world increasingly marked by conflict, both of these elements play a crucial role,” says Modi.
Eighth edition of India Mobile Congress
The India Mobile Congress 2024 is a four-day event scheduled from October 15 – 18. It will showcase over 400 exhibitors, about 900 startups and participation from over 120 countries.
According to a PMO press release, the event is also likely to showcase more than 900 technology use case scenarios, host more than 100 sessions and discussions with over 600 global and Indian speakers.
The theme for the eighth edition of IMC is ‘The Future is Now,’ announced by Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia earlier this year.
We will see participation from some prominent players in the industry including Xiaomi, Qualcomm, Reliance Jio, and Ericsson among others. The popular Meta RayBan XR glasses will also be showcased at IMC 2024.
Key Announcements at India Mobile Congress 2024
Digital India Initiative:
- PM Modi emphasized the four pillars of Digital India: affordable devices, digital connectivity nationwide, accessible data, and prioritizing digital solutions.
- The initiative, launched in 2015, aims to create a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
- Telecom services in India are not just about connectivity but also equity and opportunity.
Smartphone Manufacturing:
- India has grown from two mobile manufacturing units in 2014 to over 200 today.
- It is now the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer globally, with support from the “Make in India” initiative.
Digital Infrastructure & Telecom Reforms:
- India has laid an optical fibre network eight times the distance between Earth and the Moon.
- 5G services were launched in 2022, and now every district is connected to 5G.
- India is rapidly advancing toward 6G technology.
- Internet data costs in India are among the lowest globally, at 12 cents per GB with an average data consumption of 30 GB per user monthly.
Broadband Connectivity:
- Mobile connections have grown from 904 million to 1.16 billion, and broadband users have increased to 924 million.
- India’s optic fibre cable network has expanded from 11 million to 41 million route kilometres.
- 98% of districts and 90% of villages are covered by 5G within 21 months of rollout.
- Expansion of 4G connectivity is planned across the country by next year.
Artificial Intelligence:
“India’s per capita data consumption of over 30 GB is one of the highest in the world. But that is only half the picture. The other half tells you that India’s story of digital transformation is an example of inclusivity.”
Shri Akash Ambani at India Mobile Congress 2024.… pic.twitter.com/vu4NerYLoa
— Reliance Jio (@reliancejio) October 15, 2024
- Akash Ambani emphasized AI’s potential to revolutionize industries and drive India toward its “Viksit Bharat 2047” goal.
- Multilingual data generation is expected to boost AI growth in India.
- Ambani urged the government to update the 2020 data centre policy to store Indian data domestically and incentivize AI and ML data centres.
“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 the 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.
“My second suggestion, the scale and speed of multilingual data generation in India which will drive the AI revolution, will grow exponentially. 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 added.
5G Connectivity:
- Sunil Bharti Mittal stated that India will achieve full 5G coverage within 12 to 18 months.
- 5% of the rural population already has 4G coverage, and 5G will enhance remote connectivity, disaster management, and surveillance.
“Today, every element of India’s network passes through a rigorous test of trusted networks and trusted products. This is seminal development which other countries need to follow. He (Modi) asked the department of telecom and Indian operators to gear up and launch 5G at the fastest pace possible. I’m glad to report that India not only launched fastest 5g networks in the country, not just in urban areas but including all the villages and rural areas. More network rollouts are happening every day, every month. Within a matter of next 12-18 months, each part of the country will be connected through a very powerful 5G network,” Mittal said.
Space Industry:
- Low-earth orbit networks will provide 4G-level speeds to remote areas not covered by terrestrial services.
- Satellite-based internet services from companies like Starlink and OneWeb aim to connect the remaining 5% of India’s population without internet access.
Support for SMEs:
Mr. Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of Aditya Birla Group, takes the stage at #IMC2024, reflecting on the remarkable progress of India’s telecom industry in reshaping the digital landscape and Vi’s dedication to driving transformation for small businesses. “At Vi, we’re helping… pic.twitter.com/E6QU8Vjd7W
— Vi_News (@ViNewsOfficial) October 15, 2024
- Vodafone Idea launched the “Vi Business Ready for Next” program to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) adopt 5G, IoT, AI, and cloud services.
- Significant progress has been made in digital healthcare, with over 10 crore tele-consultations achieved.
- Vodafone Idea is working with regulatory bodies to combat phishing, spam, and fraud, advising customers on how to protect their personal information.
“With a focus on technology like 5G, IoT, AI, and cloud services, the Vi business ready for next programme is helping SMEs assess their digital readiness. Just last year, India achieved the remarkable feat of 10 crore tele-consultations and this is a matter of great pride for every India,” Kumar Mangalam Birla said, while addressing the IMC 2024.
“As networks have grown, we have to protect the public from phishing attempts, fraudulent calls, and spam messages. In collaboration with the government and regulatory bodies, Vodafone Idea is making significant strides in combating this menace,” he said.
FAQs
Q1. What main goals were announced for Digital India at IMC 2024?
Answer. As per the IMC announcement note, the Digital India initiative focuses on four key areas: making devices more affordable, ensuring digital connectivity across the country, providing accessible data for all, and prioritizing digital solutions. Launched in 2015, its goal is to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge-driven economy.
Q2. When is the Indian Mobile Congress 2024 happening?
Answer. The Indian Mobile Congress 2024 is scheduled to take place from October 15 to October 18, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Q3. What are the key topics of discussion at IMC 2024?
Answer. Key topics include advancements in 5G and 6G, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum technology, smart mobility, and more.
Q4. Who is organizing the Indian Mobile Congress 2024?
Answer. The event is organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI).
Q5. What can attendees expect at IMC 2024?
Answer. Attendees can expect keynote speeches, panel discussions, product showcases, networking opportunities, and insights into the latest mobile and digital technology trends.
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