India’s Leap into the Future: Highlights from Day Two of the Indian Mobile Congress 2024

New Delhi, India – October 16, 2024: The Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, a premier event for the telecom industry, continued to unfold its potential on the second day, focusing on the exciting prospects of 6G technology. With industry leaders, policymakers, and academicians in attendance, the discussions centered around India’s ambition to lead the global 6G innovation landscape.

Inauguration of the International 6G Symposium

The day commenced with the inauguration of the International 6G Symposium by Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, the Minister of Communications and Development of the Northeastern Region. The Minister emphasized India’s rapid 5G rollout and its readiness to shape the future of 6G. He articulated a vision for 6G standards that are inclusive, accessible, and affordable, underscoring the nation’s commitment to cybersecurity and regulatory frameworks for the upcoming technology.

Launch of the Telecom Smart Cities Index

In a significant move towards smart city transformation, OpenSignal launched the Telecom Smart Cities Index. This index evaluates the mobile infrastructure of 50 Indian cities, assessing their readiness for smart city initiatives based on metrics such as 4G/5G availability, consistent quality, and overall download speeds. The top five cities identified were Srinagar, Agra, Faridabad, Jaipur, and Patna, showcasing their potential to leverage advanced telecommunications for urban development.

Workshops and Collaborative Discussions

A workshop featuring academicians from 5G test labs was another highlight of the day. Participants engaged in discussions on enhancing indigenous 5G networks, exploring the role of enterprise private networks, and showcasing live demonstrations of industrial 5G use cases. The workshop aimed to foster collaboration between academia and industry, focusing on practical applications of 5G technology across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and education.

Key Sessions and Panels

The day was packed with over 100 sessions, each delving into the transformative potential of emerging technologies. Notable discussions included:

• Supercharging India through Equitable AI: Exploring how artificial intelligence can drive inclusive growth.
• Securing the Digital Realm: Addressing the pressing need for enhanced cybersecurity measures.
• AI-Driven Autonomous Networks: Examining the future of networks that can think and act autonomously.

These sessions highlighted the critical role of AI in shaping the future of telecommunications and other industries, emphasizing the need for robust and secure networks.

Vision for Global Leadership in 6G

Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, articulated India’s vision to become a global leader in 6G technology. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in research, standardization, and public-private partnerships. The focus on joint research efforts and policy harmonization aims to ensure that India not only participates in the global 6G dialogue but also leads it.

Insights from Industry Leaders

Industry leaders shared their insights on the future of telecommunications. N. G. Subramaniam, Chairman of the Bharat 6G Alliance, spoke about the seamless connections anticipated between humans, machines, and devices. He stressed the necessity of a reliable and secure next-gen network to realize these possibilities.

Savi Soin, Senior Vice President at Qualcomm, highlighted the company’s commitment to customizing solutions for the Indian market through hands-on workshops for students and startups. Meanwhile, Tarun Chhabra, Sr. Vice President and Country Head of Nokia India, discussed enhancing network sensing capabilities to facilitate autonomous use cases, predicting a future where digital and physical worlds converge.

Conclusion

The second day of the Indian Mobile Congress 2024 was a testament to India’s commitment to advancing telecommunications technology. With a focus on 6G, smart city initiatives, and the integration of AI, the event showcased the country’s potential to lead in the global tech arena. As discussions continue, the collaborative efforts between government, industry, and academia will be crucial in shaping a future where technology enhances the quality of life for all.

As the IMC 2024 progresses, it is clear that India is not just a participant in the global tech landscape but is poised to be a leader in the next techade. The innovations and discussions taking place at this congress will undoubtedly pave the way for a more connected, efficient, and inclusive future.