India Mobile Congress 2024: PM Modi Pushes for Digital Innovation and 5G Expansion | Tech News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024, held for the first time in India, alongside the India Mobile Congress at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event, a global gathering of over 3,000 industry leaders, policy-makers, and tech experts from 190 countries, focuses on shaping the future of telecommunications through global standardization.

During his speech, PM Modi reminded the audience of India’s extraordinary growth in the telecommunication industry, tracking the country’s road from 2G technology to the current status of being one of the global leaders in 5G technology. “India stands out today as a nation with exciting developments in the telecom and technology space. We have internet users who exceed 950 million, and we account for 40% of all the world’s real-time digital transactions,” said Modi, demonstrating digital transformation which was brought about by India’s leadership.

A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration

Industry leaders appreciated the continuity of the government’s endeavors in supporting digital transformation. Akash Ambani, Chairperson of Reliance Jio Infocomm, commended Modi’s visionary leadership by saying, “India is no longer in 155th position in mobile broadband adoption; today we are the largest data market in the world.” This is clear evidence of the cooperation between the government and the private sector.” He also advised the authorities to formulate more policies concerning AI and suggested data center policy amendments so that local data can be retained in India.

Digital India

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Airtel, recalled that the invention of the internet always drew technological advancement while talking about India’s communication development, “The real transformation began in 2014 with PM Modi’s vision for Digital India, sparking the 4G revolution that brought essential digital services to millions.” He unveiled daring strategies concerning the 5G level within India during this schedule including rural areas for 12 to 18 months, in addition to a sophisticated communication system network. Mittal also approached the subject of using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to overcome this challenge in nearly rough zone areas.

Kumar Mangalam Birla, the Chairman of Aditya Birla Group, acknowledged the generous reforms put in place by the government which considerably banged up digital connectivity. He pointed out India’s achievements in telemedicine and the support of MSMEs, which he attributed to the government’s digital-first policy.

Digital Global Governance and Ethical AI

Doreen Bogdan Martin, Secretary-General of ITU, commended India’s efforts in digital inclusion on a global scale. She pointed out that global standards are the key to the building of trust and urged for the collective action to align technological progress with digital inclusion, especially in the ethical use of AI.