India’s Mobile Revolution
In a visionary speech at the India Mobile Congress 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew a compelling analogy between the evolution of mobile phones and the transformation of India’s economy and technology landscape over the past decade. He recounted the era of “hanging phones” and how it closely resembled the state of the Indian government before 2014. The Prime Minister’s address highlighted the remarkable progress India has made, from being a mobile phone importer to becoming a major exporter. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the key highlights and insights from the event, discussing the growth of India’s mobile and technology sector and the exciting developments in 6G technology, satellite broadband, and more.
The “Hanging Phones” Era:
Prime Minister Modi initiated his speech with a nostalgic reflection on the state of mobile phones a decade ago. He recalled the frustrating experience of dealing with phones that frequently froze and hung, often defying all attempts to revive them. This reminiscence served as a metaphor for the condition of India’s economy and governance during that time. Just as outdated phones needed to be replaced, the Indian government was in dire need of a fresh start.
A Turning Point in 2014:
According to the Prime Minister, the turning point came in 2014 when the people of India voted for a change. The election ushered in a new government, leading to substantial improvements in the economy and governance. The transformation was so profound that it can be likened to discarding old phones that were beyond repair.
The Impact of Change:
The Prime Minister emphasized that the changes brought about in 2014 had a significant impact on India. He mentioned that India transitioned from being a mobile phone importer to becoming an exporter. This monumental shift underscored the country’s progress in manufacturing and exporting mobile devices. This transformation is a testament to the “Make in India” initiative, which aimed to promote domestic manufacturing.
India’s Achievements in the Mobile Industry:
PM Modi proudly proclaimed that India is now the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer. Notably, major tech giants like Google, Apple, and Samsung have recognized India’s potential as a manufacturing hub. Google recently announced its plans to make Pixel phones in India, while Apple and Samsung have already been manufacturing their devices within the country.
Rapid Advancements in 5G and Beyond:
The Prime Minister referred to the successful rollout of 5G in India in the previous year, highlighting how India had achieved the fastest 5G deployment in the world. He also shared his vision for India’s role in shaping the future of 6G technology. His confidence in India’s capacity to lead the world in 6G is a reflection of the nation’s growing prowess in technological innovation.
Revolutionizing Connectivity with Space Fiber:
PM Modi acknowledged the remarkable progress in providing connectivity to remote areas through technologies like Jio’s Space Fiber. Space Fiber, a satellite broadband service, is already serving some of the most isolated regions in India, including Gir (Gujarat), Korba (Chhattisgarh), Nabarangpur (Odisha), and Jorhat (Assam). This innovative technology leverages radio waves to transmit high-speed internet via satellite receivers, providing speeds of up to 1GB per second.
Exploring 6G Technology and AI-Based Solutions:
At the event, PM Modi visited Ericsson Arena and gained insights into the potential of 6G technology. He also explored AI-based solutions for skill development and citizen services, emphasizing the role of artificial intelligence in shaping India’s future.
India Mobile Congress 2023:
The India Mobile Congress 2023, hosted at Pragati Maidan in Delhi, marks the seventh edition of this prestigious event. It focuses on a broad range of themes, including 5G expansion, 6G preparations, broadcasting, drone device manufacturing, semiconductor production, AI, and sustainable technology. The event aims to bring together key players in the technology sector to discuss and showcase the latest innovations.
Initiatives to Empower Young Entrepreneurs:
During the congress, PM Modi introduced the “Aspire Program,” designed to assist young entrepreneurs in the telecom and digital domains. This program seeks to strengthen their businesses and support their growth. In addition, 100 ‘5G Use Case Labs’ were announced for educational institutions across the country, further fostering innovation and research in the field of telecommunications.
Registration and Participation:
If you wish to attend the India Mobile Congress 2023, you can register on the official website of IMC. The event offers different passes, with the Delegate All Day Pass priced at Rs 15,000 and the Delegate One Day Pass at Rs 5,000. Complimentary passes are available for visitors, colleges, government representatives, and media personnel.
Conclusion:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech at the India Mobile Congress 2023 resonates with the remarkable journey of India’s mobile and technology sector. From the era of “hanging phones” to becoming a global mobile phone exporter, India has made remarkable strides. The event showcased the latest advancements in 5G and 6G technology, satellite broadband, and artificial intelligence. The India Mobile Congress continues to be a platform for fostering innovation and collaboration in the technology.
Image Courtesy: Google