IMC 2026: PM Modi Highlights India’s 5G Expansion and Digital Technology Push

India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi on 8 October 2026. IMC 2026 is a four day event which is scheduled from 7 to 10 October 2026 and will include various technology firms, telecom companies, start-ups, policy makers, investors and researchers. Theme for IMC 2026 is “Scale without Boundaries” that indicates the importance of expansion in terms of digital connectivity, emerging technologies and technology based economic development. The Department of Telecommunications had already announced the dates for IMC 2026 in previous years.

Coverage of All Districts in India by 5G Network

In the first day of the event, PM Modi announced about the increased coverage of the 5G network in India and noted that the 5G connectivity is now available in all districts of the country.

As per the recent report released at IMC 2026, there are more than 5.5 lakh 5G stations in operation in India.

It is yet another achievement for India’s quick 5G network roll out in the country. The Department of Telecommunications had previously announced in February 2026 that 5G connectivity is available in 776 out of 777 districts, which means that 5G connectivity is present in 99.87% of the districts of India, with more than 5.18 lakh 5G BTSs installed.

5G Penetration and Affordability of Mobile Data

Indian Union Minister of State for Communications, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia pointed out the decrease in prices of mobile data in India.

From the statistics shared during the IMC 2026, it was revealed that the price of 1GB of mobile data has been decreased from about ₹268 in 2014 to ₹8 in 2026.

The decrease in data prices has helped boost the usage of mobile internet.

Further, the government has associated its expansion of telecommunications with making technology affordable and inclusive, especially for communities which were deprived of digital connectivity.

IMC 2026 – Four Pillars of Digital Transformation

IMC 10 will be based on four pillars, which are broadly categorized as follows:

1. Srishti – Creating the Future

• The focus here would be on innovations and future technologies and the development of future digital infrastructure.

2. Samvardhan – Fostering Growth

• It involves technology-driven economic growth, industrial transformation and growth of India’s digital eco-system.

3. Sashakt – Broadening the Reach

• The emphasis would be on inclusive digital reach and growth of technology-related opportunities.

4. Suraksha – Enhancing Security

• It includes cyber security, resilient digital eco-system and trust in emerging technologies.

Major Technology Sectors at IMC 2026

Nine major technology sectors covered by IMC 2026 include the following,

• 5G and 6G
• AI networks
• Semiconductors
• Non-terrestrial networks
• Cybersecurity
• Quantum communications
• Transformation of enterprises
• Circular economy & ESG
• Electronics manufacturing

Four more sectors have been added to the scope of IMC 2026,

• Smart mobility
• Stadiums
• Industrial robots
• Transport technology

This is indicative of growing convergence between telecommunications and AI, manufacturing, mobility, satellite, and industrial automation sectors.

Concentration on 6G and Bharat 6G Vision

The future telecom plans of India are another main theme of the IMC 2026 conference.

The Bharat 6G Alliance is an organization consisting of institutions involved in 6G technologies through research, development, standards and international cooperation.

As per the figures mentioned during the event, the organization has gathered 90 organizations and made international cooperations.

The organization has also been linked to 7,700 patents, out of which 4,400 patents are international, thus showing the efforts of India in building up its intellectual property base in next generation telecommunications.

The move from 5G to 6G will include next generation technologies like advanced AI, integrated sensing and communications, terahertz communication and intelligent networks.