PM Modi Inaugurates 10th India Mobile Congress, Highlights India’s Telecom Growth and Digital Transformation

October 8, 2026

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, highlighting India’s rapid growth in telecommunications, digital connectivity and technology.

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said the mobile phone has moved beyond being a communication device and has become an important tool for governance and access to public services. He described the Digital India initiative as a major effort to democratise technology and bridge the digital divide.

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The 10th India Mobile Congress is being held from October 7 to 10 under the theme “Scale Without Boundaries”. The event is jointly organised by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI).

PM Modi Highlights India’s Digital Transformation

PM Modi said India had faced the challenge of technology being accessible mainly to those who could afford it. Over the past 10–12 years, however, the mobile phone has become central to the country’s Digital India vision.

He said telecom reforms and the expansion of digital infrastructure have helped make technology more accessible to citizens. The government has also focused on manufacturing mobile phones and other telecom equipment in India.

The Prime Minister highlighted the expansion of 5G services across the country. He said 5G has now reached every district, with more than 5.5 lakh 5G base stations operational across India. He also said mobile internet speeds have increased about tenfold compared with 2022.

Government data released earlier this year showed that 5G services were available in 99.9 per cent of districts as of February 2026, with 5.23 lakh 5G base transceiver stations installed at that time.

Mobile Phones Become Tool of Governance

PM Modi also underlined the growing role of mobile phones in delivering government services.

He said hundreds of government services can now be accessed through mobile phones and pointed to the use of digital platforms for direct benefit transfers and other public services. He described the mobile phone as a tool of good governance, reflecting the wider shift towards digital delivery of government services.

The Prime Minister has also linked India’s telecom expansion with the broader objective of making digital technology more affordable and accessible, particularly for people who were previously excluded by the digital divide.

IMC 2026 Focuses on 5G, 6G, AI and Quantum Communication

The 2026 edition of India Mobile Congress has expanded its focus beyond conventional mobile connectivity.

The event covers nine major technology sectors, including 5G and 6G, next-generation AI networks, semiconductors, non-terrestrial networks, cybersecurity, quantum communication, enterprise transformation, circular economy and ESG, and electronics manufacturing.

The congress has also added four new areas of focus: smart mobility, stadium experiences, industrial robotics and transport technology.

The event is built around four key pillars:

• Srishti – Building the Future
• Samvardhan – Fueling Growth
• Sashakt – Expanding Opportunities
• Suraksha – Strengthening Trust

These pillars cover innovation, next-generation digital infrastructure, technology-led economic growth, inclusive access and secure digital ecosystems.

Over 1.5 Lakh Participants Expected

The 10th edition is expected to attract more than 1.5 lakh participants from over 100 countries.

The event is set to bring together more than 500 partners and exhibitors, 600 startups and 900 thought leaders, while featuring over 2,000 technology use cases and 120 sessions.

The India Mobile Congress has increasingly become a major platform for telecom operators, technology companies, startups, investors, policymakers and researchers to showcase emerging technologies and discuss the future of digital connectivity.

India’s Telecom Sector Moves Towards Greater Self-Reliance

PM Modi also stressed India’s growing capabilities in telecom technology and manufacturing.

The focus on domestic manufacturing, next-generation networks, AI, semiconductors and 6G reflects the government’s broader push to build a stronger indigenous technology ecosystem.

At IMC 2026, Ericsson also announced plans to increase production of telecom equipment in India and export made-in-India antennas to global markets, including Europe. The company said more than 15,000 antennas and 25 million components had been manufactured in India since July 2025.

The developments showcased at IMC 2026 underline India’s expanding role in the global telecommunications and digital technology ecosystem, with the sector moving from wider connectivity towards AI-driven networks, advanced infrastructure and next-generation technologies.