New Delhi, October 8 (Daily Kiran) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress 2026 on Thursday at the Yashobhoomi convention center in New Delhi. During the event, he highlighted the next phase of telecommunications development in India, focusing on the expansion of 5G and the country’s ambitions for 6G.
Modi announced that India now boasts over 5.5 million base stations supporting 5G networks. He noted that mobile internet speeds have increased tenfold compared to 2022. The Prime Minister reflected on the significant changes in the sector, recalling that 5G was launched from the IMC platform in 2022.
In his address, Modi emphasized the rapid growth of the telecommunications sector witnessed at the India Mobile Congress. He pointed out that the focus of the 2023 edition was on expanding access beyond the initial rollout of 5G.
He stated, “Telecommunications in India has now expanded far beyond just networks, spectrum, and internet speed.” Modi stressed the importance of mobile connectivity as a crucial tool for digital governance, connecting citizens to essential government services and making public services more accessible.
“Mobile phones have become an instrument of good governance,” he remarked. Over the past decade, the mobile phone has evolved from a traditional communication device to a key medium for administering governance.
Modi also highlighted the challenge of the digital divide a decade ago, where new technology was seen as a privilege. He mentioned that the government has worked to change this narrative through the Digital India initiative, which places mobile phones at the center of digital access and public service expansion.
The theme of this year’s India Mobile Congress, “Boundless Expansion,” reflects India’s experiences in expanding telecommunications and digital infrastructure. Modi noted that the IMC has played a significant role in India’s telecommunications journey, from the launch of 5G in 2022 to hosting the International Telecommunication Union in 2024.
He concluded by stating that India’s telecommunications story should be viewed not only through the lens of network speed and spectrum but also through its role in governance and citizen accessibility. The connectivity provided by mobile and internet services has been crucial in maintaining access to education, payments, healthcare, and government services across the country.
Modi mentioned that the Diksha online education platform has recorded nearly 5 billion learning sessions and 6 billion learning minutes, with a new goal of connecting 250 million students through this platform.
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