PM Modi inaugurates ITU Telecom Standard Conference, India Mobile Congress
- In Reports
- 05:59 PM, Oct 15, 2024
- Myind Staff
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 8th edition of the India Mobile Congress today at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, coinciding with the International Telecommunication Union's World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (ITU-WTSA) 2024. This marks a historic occasion, as it is the first time that the ITU-WTSA is being held in India and the Asia-Pacific region. The event has attracted over 3,000 industry leaders, policymakers, and technology experts from more than 190 countries, representing various sectors, including telecommunications, digital technologies, and information and communication technology (ICT).
In his address, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the significance of robust digital infrastructure for India's growth and development. He stated, "We are not just building a Digital India but a Digital World," underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing citizens' quality of life through technological advancements. Modi highlighted several initiatives aimed at empowering individuals, particularly in rural areas, to access essential services and opportunities, reiterating that technology should be inclusive.
Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance JIO-INFOCOMM, commended Modi’s visionary leadership for catalysing India's digital transformation. He remarked on India's outstanding journey from struggling with 2G speeds to becoming the largest data market globally. Ambani cited initiatives such as Jan Dhan accounts, which have integrated over 530 million previously unbanked Indians, showcasing the effectiveness of collaboration between government and industry. He also proposed leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative tool and urged updates to data centre policies to ensure Indian data remains within the country, thereby fostering a robust AI ecosystem.
Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Airtel, reflected on India's telecom evolution, attributing its transformative progress to Modi's vision for a "Digital India," which he claimed ignited the 4G revolution. This development has enabled millions, especially those in rural areas, to access smartphones and essential digital services. Mittal announced that India is set to lead in 5G technology, with extensive rollouts planned in urban and rural regions within the next 12 to 18 months. He also discussed the potential of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) networks, stating, "These networks will bridge the connectivity gap in our most challenging terrains, ensuring all Indians have access to fast internet services."
Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, highlighted the government’s unwavering support for enhancing digital connectivity. He lauded the introduction of several reforms over the years to propel India toward becoming a more connected, empowered, and inclusive digital nation. Birla recalled the Prime Minister’s quote on MSMEs meaning maximum support for micro, small, and medium enterprises, expressing a commitment to aiding India's small businesses in their digital transformation journey. He also noted the achievement of 10 crore telemedicine consultations in India, underscoring the potential of digital technologies in healthcare.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan Martin expressed her honour at attending the joint ceremony with the Prime Minister. She emphasized the importance of global digital governance, reiterating Modi’s call for India to lead by example and share its digital public infrastructure with the world. She highlighted that standards build trust, enabling access to life-changing services through mobile devices. Bogdan Martin further urged collective action on the ethical use of AI and stressed the importance of ensuring digital inclusion for everyone, particularly for the third of humanity still offline.
This landmark event not only showcases India's advancements in digital technologies but also sets a significant stage for future growth and innovation within the global digital landscape. The discussions and collaborations that arise from this gathering will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of telecommunications and digital connectivity worldwide.
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