The 8th edition of India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, Asia’s largest telecom, media and technology forum, kicked off today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the event in Bharat Mandapam. Organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the event will take place from October 15 to 18 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
In his speech, Prime Minister Modi highlighted four pillars of digital India: affordable devices, widespread digital connectivity, accessible data and the ‘Digital First’ approach. He also called for the establishment of global standards for ethical AI and data privacy to ensure responsible technology development.
Themed “The Future is Now,” the event brought together global leaders and innovators to discuss advances in telecommunications, AI, quantum technology and 5G. Key focus areas included cloud and edge computing, IoT, semiconductors, cybersecurity, green technologies and satellite communications. The first day featured discussions on topics such as the impact of AI on 5G, sustainable cybersecurity and women driving the digital revolution.
COAI Director General Lt Gen Dr SP Kochhar welcomed the Prime Minister’s vision for India’s leadership in the digital age, highlighting the industry’s commitment to fostering innovation while adhering regulatory frameworks for a secure telecommunications landscape.
Industry leaders also weighed in on India’s rapid digital transformation. Mats Granryd, Director General of the GSMA, highlighted India’s unparalleled 5G deployment and called for alignment on spectrum management. Ericsson’s Andres Vicente praised the rapid rollout of 5G in India, which now covers 90% of the population. Intel’s Udayan Mukherjee highlighted the growing role of AI in telecommunications, particularly in 6G research, while Qualcomm’s Alex Rogers highlighted that edge AI offers a sustainable solution to manage future data requests.
In addition to IMC 2024, India hosts the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) and the Global Standards Symposium (GSS), strengthening its position as a hub for digital innovation.
With over 400 exhibitors, 900 startups and participation from over 120 countries, IMC 2024 aims to showcase cutting-edge technologies through over 100 sessions and discussions featuring 600 international and Indian speakers.
India’s leadership in 5G and AI: a driving force in global digital transformation
At the India Mobile Congress 2024, India’s rapid progress in deploying 5G technology and its growing influence in AI-driven innovations took center stage. Industry leaders have praised the country’s unmatched pace in rolling out 5G infrastructure, covering 90% of the population in less than two years. This transformative technology not only connects people, but also enables critical industries to benefit from advances in AI and machine learning.
Executives like Ericsson’s Andres Vicente and Intel’s Udayan Mukherjee have highlighted that India is at the forefront of the 5G revolution, with AI playing a key role in the future of telecommunications. AI’s potential to enhance traditional network processes and seamlessly integrate with emerging 6G research highlights the importance of India’s contribution to the global telecom landscape. As AI and cloud-native solutions become mainstream, India’s investment in this space paves the way for digital transformation that spans all sectors and regions.
