Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the eighth edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC), which took place in conjunction with the International Telecommunication Union-World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly (WTSA) 2024. The IMC event, themed “The Future is Now”, aimed to unite global leaders, visionaries and innovators to collaborate and shape the technologies transforming our world. The key areas of focus this year included 6G and 5G use cases, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, cybersecurity, circular economy, semiconductors, cloud and edge computing, internet of things, cleantech, electronics manufacturing and satellite communication. In his inaugural address, the Prime Minister highlighted the nation’s progress in 5G connectivity, the significant rise of women-led development and the increasing need for global frameworks and guidelines to govern digital technology. He also stressed the importance of ensuring data security for citizens. Edited excerpts from his address…
Today, India is one of the most happening countries in the world in the field of telecom and related technologies. The country has 1,200 million mobile phone users and 950 million internet users. It accounts for over 40 per cent of the world’s real-time digital transactions and has made digital connectivity an effective tool for last-mile delivery.
Four pillars of Digital India
In the 21st century, India’s mobile and telecom journey has been a subject of study for the entire world. While mobile and telecom are generally viewed as a convenience globally, India’s model has been different. We view telecom not just as a means of connectivity but also as a medium of equity and opportunity. This medium is helping bridge the gap between villages and cities, as well as between the rich and the poor.
When we presented the vision of Digital India 10 years ago, we focused on a holistic approach and identified four key pillars. First, the cost of devices should be low. Second, digital connectivity should reach every corner of the country. Third, data should be accessible to everyone. Fourth, our goal should be “digital first”. From the very beginning, we worked on all four pillars simultaneously, and the results have been positive.
Evolving manufacturing landscape
Cell phones only became affordable after we started manufacturing them in India. In 2014, there were only two mobile manufacturing units in the country, but today, there are over 200 manufacturing units. While we once relied heavily on imports, we are now producing six times more phones within India and have earned recognition as a mobile exporter. From chips to finished products, the country is now working towards providing the world with a completely Made-in-India phone. We are also making significant investments in the semiconductor ecosystem.
Strengthening connectivity across India
We have made significant strides in working on the pillar of connectivity, ensuring that every home in the country is connected. A vast network of mobile towers has been established across the country, with thousands of towers installed in tribal areas, hilly regions and border zones within a short span of time. Public places such as railway stations now have Wi-Fi facilities, and islands such as the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep have been connected through undersea cables. In just 10 years, India has laid enough optical fibre to cover a distance eight times that between the Earth and the Moon.
We launched 5G at IMC 2022, and today, almost every district in the country is connected to 5G services. India has become the second-largest 5G market in the world, and we are now rapidly working on 6G technology.
The reforms and innovations in the Indian telecom sector have been unimaginable and unprecedented. As a result, data costs have come down significantly. Today, the cost of internet data in India is around 12 cents per GB, while in other countries, the cost of 1 GB of data is 10-20 times higher. On average, each Indian consumes around 30 GB of data per month.
Our fourth pillar, the “digital first” spirit, has scaled these efforts even further. India has democratised digital technology, creating digital platforms that have sparked millions of new opportunities. The JAM trinity – Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile – has become the bedrock for countless innovations, and the unified payments interface (UPI) has opened doors for numerous new companies. Similarly, the Open Network for Digital Commerce is being discussed and is poised to revolutionise digital commerce.
During the Covid pandemic, our digital platforms proved invaluable – enabling fund transfers to those in need, issuing real-time guidelines to frontline workers, managing the vaccination process and providing digital vaccination certificates. Today, India has built a digital infrastructure that can elevate welfare schemes globally. Therefore, during our G20 presidency, we emphasised the importance of digital public infrastructure and stated that we are happy to share our experience and expertise, particularly with UPI, with other nations.
Women-led development
Another crucial topic being discussed at WTSA is the Network of Women initiative, and India takes this very seriously. Our commitment to women-led development was furthered during our G20 presidency. India is focused on making the technology sector inclusive, empowering women through digital platforms. Our women scientists have been instrumental in space missions, and the number of women co-founders in start-ups continues to grow. Today, over 40 per cent of participants in STEM education in India are women. Initiatives like the Namo Drone Didi programme, where women in rural areas lead the use of drones in agriculture, and the Bank Sakhi programme, which promotes digital banking and payments, are creating new opportunities for women. Accredited social health activist and anganwadi workers are now using tablets and apps in primary healthcare, maternity and childcare, while the Mahila e-Haat programme offers an online marketing platform for women entrepreneurs. The women of India are working with cutting-edge technologies, even in rural areas, and we plan to expand these initiatives further. I envision a country where every daughter can become a tech leader.
Need for framework and guidelines for security
During India’s G20 presidency, we brought an important global issue to the forefront–the need for a global framework and guidelines for digital technology. It is time for global institutions to recognise the necessity of this for global governance. There needs to be a global set of dos and don’ts for technology. In today’s world, digital tools and applications operate beyond the borders and limitations of any single country, and no nation can fully protect its citizens from cyber threats on its own. Collaboration is essential, and global institutions must step up to take responsibility. From our experience, we know that just as a global framework of rules and regulations exists for the aviation sector, a similar framework is urgently needed for the digital world. Thus, WTSA must play a more active role in this regard.
I urge every WTSA member to consider how we can make telecommunications safe for everyone. In this interconnected world, security cannot be an afterthought. India’s Data Protection Act, 2023, and National Cyber Security Strategy demonstrate our commitment to building a safe digital ecosystem. I urge the members of this assembly to create standards that are inclusive, secure and adaptable to challenges of the future. Global standards for Ethical AI and data privacy must be developed, with respect for the diversity of different countries.
In this era of technological revolution, it is crucial that we continuously strive to keep technology human-centric. It is our responsibility to ensure that this revolution is responsible and sustainable. The standards we set today will shape our future. Therefore, the principles of security, dignity and equity should be at the centre of our discussions. Our goal should be to ensure that no country, region or community is left behind in this digital age. We must ensure that our future is technically strong and ethically sound, with innovation and inclusion at its core.
“Our goal should be to ensure that no country, region or community is left behind in this digital age. We must ensure that our future is technically strong and ethically sound, with innovation and inclusion at its core.”
