The India Mobile Congress 2024 (IMC 2024) has set the stage for a transformative future in telecommunications, showcasing India’s pivotal role in 6G technology and global collaboration. Jointly organised by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), this year’s IMC is the largest telecom, media, and technology forum in Asia, highlighting India’s advancements in digital and telecommunication ecosystems.
Key Highlights from IMC 2024
During the event, prominent leaders and industry pioneers discussed various themes, including the integration of AI in telecom, sustainable technology solutions, and the innovations shaping the future. Here are the standout moments from IMC 2024:
1. International 6G Symposium
The second day of IMC 2024 featured the International 6G Symposium, where global CEOs explored the future of telecommunications. The theme, “Leading in the Moment: The Future is Now,” set a compelling tone for discussions on next-gen technologies.
2. Workshop with Academicians
A workshop held with academics from 5G Test Labs focused on the latest advancements and research in telecommunications. The insights shared here are crucial for developing a robust foundation for future technologies.
3. Revolutionising Content Creation Panel
The third day hosted a panel discussion on “Revolutionizing Content Creation in India.” Key speakers, including Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and industry leaders, discussed innovative strategies for engaging India’s diverse audience. This panel highlighted the potential of AI and digital platforms to reach the next billion users effectively.
Prominent Voices at IMC 2024
Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary, DoT
Dr. Mittal emphasised India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in 6G technology. He stated, “India is becoming a focal point for global innovation in technologies… Joint research efforts, policy harmonization, and the development of skilled manpower are key priorities.”
D Sridhar Babu, IT Minister, Telangana
Minister Babu highlighted Telangana’s technological capabilities, boasting a strong workforce of 1.5 lakh engineers and a visionary approach to becoming an AI powerhouse. He introduced the Telangana AI Mission, aimed at creating an AI-ready ecosystem with significant investments in AI startups.
Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, DG, COAI
Lt. Gen. Kochhar stressed the importance of adapting policies to keep pace with rapidly advancing technologies. He advocated for the integration of public-private partnerships and advanced technologies like AI and blockchain to create future-ready policies.
Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (Retd.), DG, ISpA
Gen. Bhatt raised concerns about the digital divide, noting that 40% of India’s population remains offline. He pointed out the challenges of traditional infrastructure in rural areas and emphasised the potential of satellite communications to bridge this gap.
Tarun Chhabra, Sr. VP & Country Head, Nokia India
Chhabra spoke on the evolution of the device ecosystem in India, highlighting the progress made in 5G technology. He stated, “The future will be driven by robust collaboration… augmenting human capabilities with AI-enhanced networks.”
Anku Jain, Managing Director, MediaTek India
Jain focused on the content generation economy in India, showcasing how 5G FWA is enhancing connectivity in remote areas. MediaTek’s commitment to Edge AI is set to optimise bandwidth and improve real-time data services.
IMC 2024: A Hub for Innovation
Concurrent to IMC 2024, India is also hosting the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA 2024) and the Global Standards Symposium (GSS 2024) from October 14-24, 2024. These events collectively illustrate India’s determination to lead in telecommunications.
An Expansive Showcase
IMC 2024 features:
- Over 400 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge technology.
- Participation from approximately 900 startups.
- Engagement from more than 120 countries.
- Over 900 technology use case scenarios.
This diverse participation highlights India’s growing prominence as a global tech hub.
Conclusion: India at the Forefront of 6G Development
As we wrap up IMC 2024, it’s clear that India is not just participating in the global conversation about 6G technology; it’s leading it. The collaboration among industry leaders, government officials, and innovators sets a strong foundation for the future of telecommunications.
By fostering partnerships and embracing cutting-edge technologies, India is poised to drive significant advancements that will shape the digital landscape for years to come. The future is indeed now, and India is ready to embrace it.
