The 8th Edition of Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024: A Catalyst for Digital Transformation

The Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) has firmly established itself as the largest telecom, media, and technology forum in Asia. The 8th edition of IMC, held in 2024, was jointly organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). As the event entered its final day, it became a melting pot of ideas, discussions, and collaborations among policymakers and industry leaders, all united in their vision for driving digital transformation in India.

A Call for Collaboration

The overarching theme of IMC 2024, “The Future is Now,” resonated throughout the event, particularly on its fourth day. Key discussions revolved around building a future roadmap for 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and other emerging technologies. A significant emphasis was placed on fostering public-private partnerships to spur innovation and ensure digital inclusion across the nation. The collaborative spirit was palpable as leaders from various sectors came together to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Key Sessions and Panels

The fourth day of IMC 2024 featured a series of important sessions and panels that delved into critical topics shaping the future of technology in India. Notable discussions included:

1. Spectrum for a $1 Trillion Digital Economy: This session focused on the essential role of spectrum management in realizing India’s ambitious digital economy goals.

2. Evolution of FinTech and the Enabling Role of Government: Industry experts explored how government policies can support the growth of financial technology in India.

3. AI and Digital Intelligence: Initiative by DoT: This panel highlighted the government’s initiatives to integrate AI into various sectors, enhancing efficiency and innovation.

4. 5G Lessons to 6G Developments: Academics and industry leaders discussed India’s contributions to the evolution of mobile technology, emphasizing the need for a robust foundation as the world transitions from 5G to 6G.

Additionally, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the West African Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (WATSA) hosted an engaging session titled AI for Good – Machina Learning in 5G Challenge. This collaborative platform allowed AI innovators and problem owners to connect and identify AI solutions that advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Insights from Industry Leaders

The event was marked by insightful quotes from key industry leaders, reflecting the urgency and importance of the discussions taking place:

• Lt. Gen. M U Nair, National Cybersecurity Coordinator (NCSC), emphasized the growing challenge of cybercrimes, stating, “Despite multiple initiatives by the DoT to protect cyberspace, cybercrimes are only increasing. We are trying to ascertain why this is happening, particularly with issues like sim card fraud.”

• Sh. Manish Sinha, Member (F) of the Department of Telecommunications, highlighted the need for a robust digital public infrastructure, stating, “Collaboration among industry, academia, and research institutions is essential to address the challenges and opportunities in this sector.”

• Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, COAI, pointed out the financial challenges in rolling out 5G, saying, “We need to fill the deficit between expenditure and earnings. A collaborative approach with OTT service providers is essential to share infrastructure costs.”

• U.K. Srivastava, President of Reliance Jio, shared insights on enhancing system safety through collaboration with the government, stating, “We have blocked a lot of numbers to make the system safer, and we expect complaints to reduce further.”

• Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Director General of Bharat 6G Alliance, stressed the importance of unifying efforts across sectors, saying, “To harness the power of technology for our youth, we must invest in innovative standards and overcome challenges in collaboration.”

• Shri Asit Kadyan, DDG of DoT, discussed the significance of data access and monetization models, stating, “The purity of data is important to devise optimal solutions, and the fluidity of the solution architecture is crucial for adaptability.”

A Global Stage

Concurrent to IMC 2024, India is also hosting prestigious international conferences, including the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly New Delhi 2024 (WTSA 2024) and the Global Standards Symposium (GSS 2024), from October 14-24, 2024, at Pragati Maidan. These events further underscore India’s commitment to being at the forefront of global telecommunications and technology discussions.

Conclusion

The 8th Edition of the Indian Mobile Congress has proven to be a pivotal moment for the telecom industry, highlighting the necessity of collaboration among all stakeholders. As India navigates the complexities of digital transformation, the insights and discussions from IMC 2024 will undoubtedly serve as a guiding light for future innovations and policies. The call for greater collaboration, particularly in the realms of 5G, AI, and digital inclusion, sets the stage for a more connected and technologically advanced India.