IMC 2024: Day Two Highlights – A Leap Towards Future Digital Infrastructure

The Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, Asia’s largest telecom, media, and technology forum, continued to captivate attendees on its second day with a series of insightful discussions and groundbreaking announcements. Jointly organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), this year’s event is a significant milestone in India’s digital journey, showcasing the nation’s potential in telecommunications and technology. With participation from over 120 countries, IMC 2024 stands as a testament to India’s growing influence in the global tech landscape.

Breakfast Meeting: Leading in the Moment

The day commenced with a breakfast meeting led by Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, the Hon’ble Minister of Communications and Development of the Northeastern Region. This gathering brought together prominent CEOs from leading global companies to discuss the theme “Leading in the Moment: The Future is Now.” The discussions set the tone for the day, emphasizing the urgency and importance of adapting to rapid technological advancements.

Inauguration of the International 6G Symposium

A highlight of Day 2 was the inauguration of the International 6G Symposium, where Minister Scindia articulated India’s ambition to spearhead global 6G innovation. He pointed out that India has successfully executed one of the fastest 5G rollouts and is now poised to shape the future of 6G with standards that are inclusive, accessible, and affordable. The Minister underscored the critical role of cybersecurity in this endeavor, emphasizing India’s capability to contribute to the formulation of 6G regulations.

Launch of the Telecom Smart Cities Index

Another significant announcement was the launch of the Telecom Smart Cities Index by Opensignal. This index assesses the digital readiness of 50 Indian cities, evaluating their mobile infrastructure and readiness for smart city transformation. The top five cities recognized for their advancements in mobile technology were Srinagar, Agra, Faridabad, Jaipur, and Patna. This initiative highlights the importance of robust digital infrastructure in urban development.

Workshop with Academicians of 5G Test Labs

The day also featured a workshop with academicians from 5G test labs, focusing on enhancing indigenous 5G networks and exploring the role of enterprise private networks. Discussions revolved around the transformation brought by 5G and its applications across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and education. Live demonstrations showcased the potential of 5G in real-world scenarios, further emphasizing its transformative capabilities.

Key Sessions and Panels

The extensive lineup of over 100 sessions on Day 2 covered a wide array of topics, including:

• Supercharging India through Equitable AI
• Securing the Digital Realm: Enhancing Cyber Defense
• AI Driving Autonomous Networks of the Future
• The Expanding Role of Telecom Service Providers in Ensuring Cybersecurity
• Satellite Communication: The Pulse of a Digital Nation

These discussions highlighted the transformative potential of emerging technologies and the critical role of AI across various industries, including telecommunications, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.

Insights from Industry Leaders

Day 2 of IMC 2024 featured compelling insights from key industry leaders, emphasizing the collaborative efforts required to drive innovation:

• Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of DoT, stated, “India is becoming a focal point for global innovation in technologies. The IMC and ITU-WTSA are crucial in showcasing products, setting standards, and driving collaboration.”

• Shri D Sridhar Babu, IT Minister of Telangana, highlighted the state’s commitment to becoming an AI powerhouse, focusing on building an AI-ready ecosystem.

• Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, DG of COAI, emphasized the need for policies that adapt to the rapid advancements in technology, advocating for a seamless blend of public-private partnerships.

• Erik Ekudden, CTO of Ericsson, discussed the potential of 5G technology in driving enterprise upgrades and government self-reliance.

• Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (Retd.), DG of ISpA, addressed the digital divide in India, stressing the importance of satellite communications in reaching remote areas.

The Road Ahead

As IMC 2024 progresses, it is clear that the event is not just a platform for showcasing innovations but also a catalyst for discussions that will shape the future of technology in India and beyond. The concurrent hosting of the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly New Delhi 2024 (WTSA 2024) and the Global Standards Symposium (GSS 2024) further underscores the significance of this gathering.

With over 400 exhibitors, 900 startups, and participation from more than 120 countries, IMC 2024 is set to redefine the landscape of digital technology. The event aims to showcase over 900 technology use case scenarios and host discussions with over 600 global and Indian speakers, making it a pivotal moment for stakeholders in the technology and telecom ecosystem.

As the second day of IMC 2024 concluded, the excitement and anticipation for the future of digital infrastructure in India were palpable. The discussions and innovations presented at this forum are paving the way for a more connected, secure, and technologically advanced nation.