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

The Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, Asia’s largest telecom, media, and technology forum, kicked off 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 promises to be a landmark occasion, showcasing the rapid advancements in the digital landscape. The inauguration was graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who emphasized the four pillars of Digital India: affordable devices, extensive digital connectivity, accessible data, and a ‘Digital First’ approach.

A Vision for Digital India

During his inaugural address, Prime Minister Modi took a walkthrough of the exhibition area, where he highlighted the government’s commitment to making technology accessible to every citizen. His vision for Digital India is built on the foundation of low-cost devices and widespread connectivity, ensuring that even the most remote corners of the country are not left behind in the digital revolution. This year’s theme, "The Future is Now," resonates deeply with the ongoing transformation in the telecom sector, setting the stage for discussions on cutting-edge technologies and their applications.

A Showcase of Innovation

The first day of IMC 2024 was a vibrant display of innovation, featuring global leaders, visionaries, and exhibitors who presented groundbreaking technologies and ideas across various sectors. The event, running from October 15 to 18, 2024, at Pragati Maidan, saw discussions on critical topics such as telecom and digital infrastructure, quantum technology, and the circular economy. Notably, the spotlight was on 5G and 6G use cases, cloud and edge computing, IoT, semiconductors, cybersecurity, green technology, satellite communications, and electronics manufacturing.

Engaging Sessions and Panels

The inaugural day was packed with insightful sessions and panels that addressed the future of telecom and technology. Key discussions included:

• Shaping the Future of Telecom: Exploring the convergence of AI, 5G, and multi-layer connectivity.
• Xciting Networks: Unleashing the potential of future connectivity through open APIs.
• Women Driving the Digital Paradigm: Highlighting the role of women in shaping the digital landscape.
• Gadgets that Shape the Future: Insights into innovations that will define the next generation of technology.

These sessions provided a platform for industry leaders to share their insights and visions for the future.

Industry Leaders Weigh In

The event attracted notable figures from the telecom and technology sectors, who shared their perspectives on the evolving landscape:

• Mats Granryd, Director General of the GSMA, praised India’s unmatched rollout of 5G and emphasized the need for ethical considerations in AI development. He highlighted the importance of aligning spectrum management to achieve connectivity goals.

• Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, DG of COAI, stressed that cybersecurity must be integrated into the digital fabric of telecom networks, especially as the threat landscape evolves. He called for innovative solutions to secure national and economic stability.

• Andres Vicente, Head of MA Southeast Asia, Oceania, and India at Ericsson, noted India’s rapid deployment of 5G, which is set to transform connectivity across various sectors.

• Udayan Mukherjee, Intel Senior Fellow, discussed the transformative role of AI in telecommunications, particularly in enhancing network efficiency and reliability.

• Alex Rogers, President of Qualcomm Technology Licensing, highlighted the surge in data consumption driven by 5G and the need for power-efficient computing solutions.

• Vito Di Maria, Vice President at Nokia, pointed out the challenges of digitalization in India, particularly in overcoming geographical obstacles to connectivity.

• Gururaj, MD of Optiemus Electronics Ltd., echoed the Prime Minister’s vision of affordable devices and emphasized the need for advancements in battery technology to support the growing demand for energy.

Concurrent International Conferences

In addition to 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. These prestigious international conferences further underscore India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in telecommunications and technology.

A Platform for Collaboration and Innovation

The India Mobile Congress has established itself as a premier platform for showcasing innovative solutions and services in the technology and telecom ecosystem. This year, the event features over 400 exhibitors, nearly 900 startups, and participation from more than 120 countries. Attendees can look forward to over 900 technology use case scenarios and more than 100 sessions led by over 600 global and Indian speakers.

As IMC 2024 unfolds, it promises to be a pivotal moment for the telecom and technology sectors, fostering collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for a digitally empowered future. The discussions and insights shared during this event will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of India’s digital landscape for years to come.