The 7th Edition of India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2023, Asia’s largest telecom, media and technology forum, drew huge footfalls and witnessed leading companies and start-ups displaying their latest solutions and innovations in the telecom and technology sectors. India Mobile Congress, jointly organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), played host to over 1.50 lakh visitors, 1,300 plus CXO-level delegates, 400 plus speakers, 230 plus exhibitors and 400 startups, and witnessed participation from over across 67 countries this year. The forum was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised the swift roll-out of 5G in India and raised the call for India to take a leadership role globally in 6G.
Here are key highlights and announcements from India Mobile Congress 2023.
1.Triggering Innovation – 100 5G labs across India
IMC 2023 was the arena in which Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the setting up of 100 5G labs across India, with the aim of encouraging students, professors, startups and MSMEs to work on 5G technology. Use cases are expected from a variety of sectors such as health, agriculture, manufacturing and more, with the labs being set up in academic institutions in multiple states, including Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, Telangana, Karnataka and more.
2.Futuristic Solutions from Telecom Operators
At IMC 2023, telecom operator Airtel demonstrated the capabilities of Airtel 5G Plus in optimizing traffic systems, enabling real-time road monitoring, and enhancing road safety by early accident detection and traffic congestion prevention. It also emphasized the role of Airtel IoT and Airtel 5G network in new connected ecosystems, particularly in supporting OEMs with real-time analytics for safer driving. Further, Reliance Jio shone the spotlight on India’s first satellite-based Gigabit broadband service, a solution aimed at offering high-speed internet even in largely inaccessible geographies, in addition to displaying the Jio Glass, a mixed-reality handset, at the event
3.Impactful and Future-Ready Technologies
Telecom equipment manufacturer Nokia showcased a wide array of exciting business, industrial and societal applications enabled by 5G and 6G network technology at the India Mobile Congress, including Rapid Rail NCRTC, 4G/LTE Network on the Moon, real-time extended reality multi-media technology and Nokia’s E2E portfolio of zero footprint energy solutions. In its 6G demo, Nokia displayed how future networks will act as a form of ‘radar’, sensing objects, people and movements while preserving privacy. Earlier in October, Nokia had announced the setting up of 6G lab in Bangalore to develop use cases of the new technology for industry and society.
4.Global Innovations Made a Mark
At IMC 2023, semiconductor company Qualcomm associated with Ericsson and Airtel to successfully demonstrate Reduced Capability (RedCap) device capabilities, which are expected to boost mid-tier 5G use cases going ahead. The technology was displayed using Qualcomm Snapdragon X35 5G Modem-RF System, in tandem with Ericsson’s RedCap software, while leveraging Airtel’s 5G TDD network. Further, MediaTek, another leading global fabless semiconductor company, showcased the MediaTek Dimensity Auto Cockpit Solution designed for automobiles. MediaTek Dimensity Auto is a range of new automotive solutions featuring high-performance computing, impressive AI, extensive feature integration, innate energy efficiency, and leading connectivity solutions, all while meeting automotive-grade reliability standards.
5.Aspire – Empowering Young Entrepreneurs
A noteworthy addition to this year’s IMC was the launch of the Aspire program, a start-up initiative aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs in the telecom and digital domains to kickstart their businesses.
6.Make in India initiatives Gain Pace with Drone Displays
At IMC 2023, Optiemus Infracom Limited (OIL) announced its foray into Unmanned Systems with the launch of technologically-sophisticated, high-precision drones that have been designed and manufactured in India.
7.Reports Highlighting Tech & Telecom Sector Developments
IMC also witnessed the launch of insightful reports highlighting the developments and potential inherent in the fast growing technology and telecom sectors,with KPMG’s Expanding Tech Horizons: Unlocking India’s Digital Potential Report depicting how a combination of 5G/6G, Satellite Communication (SatCom) and Semiconductors will add a cumulative total of USD 240 billion to the Indian economy by 2028. Further, the Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC) launched the report Telecom Talent in 5G Era: Demand Supply Skill Gap Report 2023-24, in partnership with Draup, highlighting aspects such as the job opportunities in the Indian telecom sector, the demand supply gap, the convergence of telecom with the technology sector, and the potential of talent in India across various job roles.
8.Government Organisations Mark Their Presence
The preeminent event brought to fore the presence of government and public sector units like RailTel, PowerGrid, Ministry of Heavy Industries, and Ministry of Railways, among others.
9.Educational Institutes as the Forefront of Transformation
IMC also witnessed robust participation from many premier educational institutes such as IIT Delhi, IIT Roorkee, IIT Jodhpur, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, BITS Pilani, NIT Tiruchirapalli, VIT and regional universities.
10. Unique Use Cases Gain Traction
The event also played host to a variety of unique use cases, from across industries. For instance, the Technology Innovation in Exploration & Mining Foundation or TEXMiN, offered visitors access to a real experience of mines, while also showcasing immersive viewing through holographic technologies.
