PM Modi At IMC 2024: 10 Points On India’s Tech Revolution

The India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024 commenced on October 15, marking a significant milestone as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event alongside the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024.

This is the first time the WTSA is being hosted in India and the Asia-Pacific region. The congress, themed "The Future is Now," aims to spotlight advancements in mobile technology and foster global standards in areas such as ethical AI and data privacy.

Key Highlights from IMC 2024

1. Global Standards for AI and Data Privacy: PM Modi emphasized the urgent need for global standards that respect the diversity of various countries in ethical AI and data privacy, akin to the established frameworks in the aviation sector.

2. India's Smartphone Manufacturing Boom: The Prime Minister highlighted India's growth in smartphone manufacturing, noting an increase from just two units in 2014 to over 200 today. This surge has enabled India to manufacture six times more mobile phones than before.

3. Affordable Mobile Data: Modi reported that mobile data in India now costs only 12 cents per GB, thanks to significant reforms in the telecom sector, making it among the most affordable globally.

4. Focus on 6G Technology: The Indian government is actively working on rolling out 6G technology, building on the successful implementation of 5G across the country, which aims to connect every district within the next 12-18 months.

5. Digital Ecosystem Initiatives: Modi pointed out the success of initiatives like Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and UPI, which have democratized access to digital technology, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

6. Telecom's Role in Financial Inclusion: The Prime Minister stressed the importance of telecom in facilitating direct benefit transfers (DBT), underscoring the sector's role in bridging the digital divide in India.

7. Infrastructure Expansion: Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia revealed that mobile connections in India have surged from 904 million to 1.16 billion, and broadband connectivity has reached an impressive 924 million users.

8. Robust Participation: IMC 2024 features over 400 exhibitors, nearly 900 startups, and participation from representatives of over 120 countries, making it a pivotal platform for networking and innovation.

9. Innovative Tech Demonstrations: Leading telecom companies will showcase 5G use cases, while tech innovations related to AI, cloud computing, IoT, and cybersecurity will be on display throughout the event.

10. Commitment to Inclusion: PM Modi called for discussions around security, dignity, and equity in the digital realm, ensuring that no community is left behind in the ongoing technological transformation.

With its focus on connectivity, ethical technology, and the future of telecommunications, the India Mobile Congress 2024 promises to be a transformative event for the global tech community. Stay tuned for further updates and highlights from this landmark gathering.