India Leads Digital Transformation at Indian Mobile Congress 2024

In an age where artificial intelligence and digital connectivity are transforming industries across the globe, how do we ensure the balance between innovation and ethics? As we embrace the next frontier of technology, the questions of data privacy, security, and the ethical use of AI loom large. These were central themes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the stage to address global leaders, industry experts, and innovators at the highly anticipated 8th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024.

TICE presents key takeaways from this landmark event and explore how India is positioning itself as a leader in the digital revolution.

India Mobile Congress 2024: The Future is Now

Held in New Delhi from October 15-18, 2024, the India Mobile Congress is Asia's largest digital technology forum, jointly organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). In his inaugural speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the four foundational pillars of Digital India: affordable devices, wide-reaching digital connectivity, accessible data, and a “Digital First” goal. These pillars, he noted, are essential to achieving India's vision of technological leadership and inclusivity.

With the theme "The Future is Now," this year’s IMC is showcasing cutting-edge innovations across key sectors, including telecommunications, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and green technology. Over 400 exhibitors and 900 startups are participating, with industry experts discussing the latest advancements in 5G, 6G, quantum technology, and more.

PM Modi’s Vision for Digital India: Building a Future on Four Pillars

In his inaugural speech, Prime Minister Modi outlined the key pillars supporting India's march towards a truly digital society. These pillars—affordable devices, wide-reaching digital connectivity, accessible data, and a “Digital First” mindset—are not only driving India’s technological growth but also empowering citizens and businesses across the nation. 

“Digital India is no longer a vision for tomorrow; it is a reality today,” the Prime Minister declared.

He emphasized that providing low-cost devices and ensuring that even the remotest areas have access to the internet are critical to bridging the digital divide. The PM’s walkthrough of the exhibition showcased India’s technological advancements and innovations, reflecting the country's growing prowess in telecommunications and AI.

Key Discussions: AI Ethics, 5G, and Global Standards

A central theme that dominated the discussions on Day 1 of the IMC was artificial intelligence (AI) and the ethical challenges it poses. With AI becoming more embedded in industries ranging from healthcare to transportation, Prime Minister Modi urged global leaders to collaborate on establishing ethical standards to govern AI’s development and usage. He emphasized the importance of aligning on a global framework that ensures AI is used responsibly, especially when it comes to data privacy and security.

AI and 5G convergence were also hot topics. Industry leaders highlighted how 5G technology, combined with AI, will drive the next wave of industrial and societal transformation.

Andres Vicente from Ericsson remarked that “5G is not just about faster internet; it’s about creating the foundation for smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and interconnected devices that will revolutionize how we live and work.”

Vicente added that India’s rapid 5G rollout is already making waves globally, with over 90% of the population covered in just under two years—a feat that showcases India’s digital readiness.

The Role of AI in Telecommunications: A Transformative Force

Udayan Mukherjee, Intel Senior Fellow and Chief Architect of Network and Communications Products, delved into the transformative power of AI in telecommunications. He highlighted how AI is enhancing processes such as Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) and link adaptation, making networks more efficient and adaptive. As 6G research advances, AI-native and cloud-native Radio Access Network (RAN) concepts are gaining momentum, with AI's role becoming more critical at the network edge.

Mukherjee praised India’s proactive contribution to AI-driven telecom innovation, which is fostering more intelligent networks capable of predictive maintenance and real-time problem-solving. This, he noted, is essential for future networks that need to handle increasingly complex workloads.

Ensuring Cybersecurity in a 5G World

With the deployment of 5G comes the increasing vulnerability of networks, making cybersecurity a pressing concern. Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, Director General of COAI, stressed that cybersecurity is no longer an “overlay” but must be an integral part of the digital infrastructure. As telecom networks become more interconnected with AI, IoT, and cross-border operations, ensuring that networks remain secure is vital for national security and economic stability.

“Cybersecurity must evolve alongside technology,” Kochhar said. “As we connect more devices and networks, we must anticipate new vulnerabilities and adopt cutting-edge solutions, from deep packet inspection to advanced enterprise security centers.”

The Power of Edge AI: A Path to Sustainability

As AI becomes more central to industries, it places growing demands on data centers, raising concerns about energy consumption. Qualcomm’s Alex Rogers shed light on how shifting AI workloads from data centers to edge devices—such as smartphones, PCs, and vehicles—could significantly reduce power consumption. This approach, known as edge AI, allows devices to process data and run AI tasks independently, reducing the strain on large data centers and offering a sustainable solution for the future.

“With data centers projected to consume 50% of their capacity by 2035 due to AI demands, shifting these tasks to edge devices presents a real opportunity to save energy and make computing more efficient,” Rogers said. He also praised India’s leadership in AI-driven solutions, emphasizing how these innovations will benefit industries ranging from healthcare to manufacturing.

India’s Role in the Global Telecom Revolution

One of the standout achievements of IMC 2024 has been India’s remarkable 5G deployment. Mats Granryd, Director General of the GSMA, noted that India’s rollout of 5G is "literally unmatched," with the country leading in 5G downloads. Granryd also called for collaboration on spectrum allocation, stressing that spectrum is the "lifeblood of telecom operators," and aligning globally on spectrum usage is critical to achieving connectivity goals.

Industry experts also pointed to the challenges of laying digital infrastructure in difficult-to-reach regions, with companies like Nokia working to address these issues. Vito Di Maria, Vice President of Nokia’s APAC Optical Networks Business Centre, emphasized India’s role in overcoming geographical challenges to digital connectivity, noting that the country is an attractive destination for AI investments due to its young, digitally savvy population.

Innovation in Device Manufacturing: Affordability and Sustainability

A. Gururaj, Managing Director of Optiemus Electronics, echoed Prime Minister Modi’s call for affordable devices. He emphasized that the responsibility lies with manufacturers to harness available technology and create cost-effective devices that cater to all segments of society.

“We are testing modular smartphones that are set to revolutionize the telecom world,” Gururaj stated.

However, he also acknowledged that battery technology and energy storage must keep pace with the increasing demands of these innovations, noting that energy sustainability remains a key challenge.

Looking Forward: India Mobile Congress and Global Standards

As the India Mobile Congress continues over the coming days, discussions will focus on topics ranging from quantum computing to the Internet of Things (IoT) and green technology. Concurrently, the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) and Global Standards Symposium (GSS) are being held, further solidifying India’s role in shaping the future of global telecommunications.

With over 400 exhibitors, 900 startups, and participation from more than 120 countries, IMC 2024 is a platform for global leaders to showcase groundbreaking technologies, exchange ideas, and set the agenda for the future of digital transformation. As India leads the way in AI, 5G, and cybersecurity, the world is watching closely—and learning from its success.

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