The 8th Edition of Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024: A Gateway to the Future of Telecom, Media, and Technology

The Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, Asia’s largest telecom, media, and technology forum, commenced today at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Jointly organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), this year’s event is set to be a landmark occasion, running from October 15 to 18, 2024. The inauguration was graced by the Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who emphasized the four pillars of Digital India: affordable devices, extensive digital connectivity, accessible data, and the vision of a ‘Digital First’ approach.

A Walkthrough of Innovation

Before officially inaugurating the event, Prime Minister Modi took a walkthrough of the exhibition area, where he interacted with various exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions. The theme for this year, “The Future is Now,” resonates deeply with the ongoing technological advancements and the urgent need for a robust digital infrastructure in India.

The first day of IMC 2024 featured a plethora of global leaders, visionaries, and innovators who presented groundbreaking technologies and use cases across various sectors. The event is not just a platform for showcasing products; it is a confluence of ideas that aims to shape the future of telecommunications and digital services.

Key Highlights of Day One

The inaugural day was packed with insightful showcases, keynote speeches, and panel discussions led by industry leaders. Topics ranged from telecom and digital infrastructure to emerging technologies like quantum computing, circular economy, and the future of 5G and 6G. Notable sessions included:

• Shaping the Future of Telecom: AI, 5G, and the Power of Multi-layer Convergence
• Xciting Networks: Unleashing Potential
• Orchestrating Future Connectivity with Open APIs
• The Future Engineered: Women Driving the Digital Paradigm
• Gadgets that Shape the Future: Insights and Innovations

These discussions highlighted the critical role of technology in driving economic growth and enhancing connectivity across the nation.

Insights from Industry Leaders

The event witnessed significant commentary from key figures in the telecom industry. Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, Director General of COAI, remarked on the transformative phase of India’s telecom story, emphasizing the importance of aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision for a digitally empowered nation. He noted, “The deliberations for the next few days will play an important role in India’s growing global leadership in the industry.”

Mats Granryd, Director General of GSMA, praised India’s unmatched rollout of 5G, highlighting the need for ethical considerations in AI development. He stated, “Spectrum is the lifeline and blood of operators; aligning on spectrum is crucial to achieve our connectivity targets.”

Andres Vicente from Ericsson pointed out that India is at the forefront of the 5G revolution, deploying an impressive number of base stations in record time. He emphasized that 5G will not only connect people but also revolutionize industries, enhancing efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

The Role of AI and Cybersecurity

As the discussions progressed, the focus on AI and cybersecurity became increasingly prominent. Udayan Mukherjee from Intel highlighted AI’s transformative potential in telecommunications, particularly in enhancing traditional processes and paving the way for 6G research. He acknowledged the Indian government’s proactive stance in supporting AI-driven telecom innovation.

Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar also stressed that cybersecurity is now an integral part of the digital landscape, necessitating innovative solutions to safeguard telecom networks. “The evolving threat landscape demands innovative solutions, from deep packet inspection to enterprise security operation centers,” he stated.

A Platform for Global Collaboration

Concurrent with IMC 2024, India is also hosting the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA 2024) and the Global Standards Symposium (GSS 2024) from October 14 to 24, 2024, at Pragati Maidan. This dual event underscores India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in technology and telecommunications.

IMC 2024 is expected to showcase over 400 exhibitors, around 900 startups, and participation from more than 120 countries. With over 900 technology use case scenarios and more than 100 sessions featuring over 600 global and Indian speakers, the event promises to be a melting pot of ideas and innovations.

Conclusion

The Indian Mobile Congress 2024 is not just an exhibition; it is a vision for the future of technology and telecommunications in India. As the event unfolds over the next few days, it will undoubtedly pave the way for new collaborations, innovations, and strategies that will shape the digital landscape of the country. With a focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and technological advancement, IMC 2024 stands as a testament to India’s ambition to lead in the global technology arena.

As we look forward to the upcoming sessions and discussions, one thing is clear: the future is indeed now, and India is ready to embrace it.