PM Modi Launches ITU Telecom Conference and India Mobile Congress 2024

On October 15, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first-ever telecom standards conference organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in India, alongside the eighth edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) in New Delhi. This event marks a significant milestone for India as it hosts the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) for the first time in the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting India’s growing role in the global telecom landscape.

Highlights of the Events

WTSA 2024 Significance: The World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly is held every four years and serves as a platform for discussions on future communication standards. This year’s focus includes critical technologies like 6G, AI, and IoT.

India Mobile Congress Growth: IMC 2024 has nearly doubled its global participation, with over 120 countries expected to attend. The event will showcase more than 400 exhibitors and 900 startups, solidifying its status as Asia’s largest technology expo.

Themes and Discussions: This year’s congress, themed “Future is Now,” will cover cutting-edge topics such as quantum technology, circular economy, cloud and edge computing, and satellite communications.

Impact on the Telecom Sector

The ITU-WTSA presents India with a unique opportunity to influence global telecom standards and innovations. With participation from around 3,000 industry leaders and policymakers from over 190 countries, the event is poised to enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing in the telecom and ICT sectors. This development is expected to benefit Indian startups and research institutions, offering critical insights into intellectual property rights and patent development.