Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The 8th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024 was inaugurated today, October 15, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The annual technology event, held at Pragati Maidan, is set to run until October 18 and will showcase cutting-edge innovations in telecommunications and digital technologies. During his speech, PM Modi also launched the World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly (WTSA) 2024, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United Nations.
India’s Digital Revolution
Prime Minister Modi, while addressing the audience, stated, “India has democratised digital technology.” He emphasized that telecommunications in India is more than just about connectivity—it’s a tool for creating equity and opportunity. Reflecting on the country’s progress since the launch of the Digital India initiative a decade ago, he noted the importance of four pillars: reducing device costs, ensuring nationwide digital connectivity, making data accessible, and adopting a digital-first approach.
He highlighted India’s progress in telecommunications, noting that the country has laid optical fibers equivalent to eight times the Earth-Moon distance and has achieved 5G coverage in every district. Modi also pointed out India’s rapid development in the 6G space. “At IMC two years ago, we introduced 5G, and today, we are swiftly moving towards developing 6G technology,” he said.
Global Leadership in 6G Technology
Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Jyotiraditya Scindia, also addressed attendees, praising India’s advances in 5G and envisioning a leadership role in 6G. “While we march with the world in 5G, we will lead the world in 6G,” Scindia stated. He mentioned that 5G is expected to inject $450 billion into India’s economy by 2040, with coverage already reaching 98% of districts and 80% of the population within just 22 months.
Industry Participation and Innovation
IMC 2024 has drawn major industry players, including Reliance Jio, Xiaomi, Qualcomm, and Ericsson. Reliance Jio Chairman Akash Ambani emphasized the transformative potential of AI for India, stating that AI could turn the country into a “new-age factory and service center for the world.”
Xiaomi and Qualcomm are expected to announce a new partnership at the event, aimed at integrating Snapdragon’s latest chips into Xiaomi’s devices. This collaboration is anticipated to enhance the performance of budget smartphones, bringing advanced technology to a wider audience.
Qualcomm’s exhibition will be one of the key attractions, showcasing its on-device AI technologies that promise to improve mobile experiences and industrial processes. Qualcomm will also demonstrate its latest processors, including 10-core, 12-core, and 8-core models, designed for intensive computing applications.
Exciting Innovations on Display
A highlight of Qualcomm’s showcase will be the Meta Ray-Ban XR smart glasses, powered by the Snapdragon AR1 Gen1 chip. These augmented reality glasses, which offer real-time navigation, text translation, and immersive experiences, are expected to attract significant attention at IMC 2024. The smart glasses reflect Qualcomm’s vision of integrating wearables into everyday tech ecosystems, further pushing the boundaries of innovation in mobile technology.
