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Participation in Mobile World Congress 2024 (MWC24) underscores India’s commitment to technological advancement and international collaboration in the telecommunications sector. The conference, themed “Future First,” hosted by GSMA, emphasised the need for industry unity and innovation to realise the future potential, aligning with India’s vision for digital transformation and socio-economic progress.
Dr Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, led India’s representation, showcasing the country’s telecom advancements and global collaborations.
Secretary Mittal reiterated India’s commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technology as a catalyst for socio-economic development. He said that the nation’s steadfast dedication to leveraging innovation not only propels economic growth but also addresses pressing social challenges and enhances the overall well-being of its citizens.
Through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts, India is actively striving to integrate advanced technologies into its developmental agenda, fostering inclusive growth and paving the way for a more prosperous future for all.
Highlighting the nation’s rapid progress in technology, particularly with the rapid rollout of 5G globally, he believes that, “India is advancing quickly in the technology space with one of the fastest 5G rollouts in the world and digital transformation taking place across all sectors.”
During the conference, Secretary Mittal was actively involved in various discussions and meetings aimed at fostering international partnerships and advancing India’s telecom sector. He delivered a keynote presentation titled “Five Years of 5G: Insights for Policymakers,” elaborating on India’s journey in 5G deployment and government initiatives to facilitate ease of doing business, including the establishment of 100 5G labs.
He also participated in a round table discussion on “Spectrum Towards 2030: Capacity & Affordability,” where he highlighted India’s efforts in spectrum management and affordability reforms. Engaging with the World Bank delegation, discussions centred on collaboration and global development opportunities, particularly in digital infrastructure.
Furthermore, during the inauguration of the Bharat Pavilion, Secretary Mittal showcased India’s telecom advancements and digital transformation efforts, earning commendation from Deputy NSA Anne Neuberger of the USA.
The Indian delegation held various Government-to-Government (G2G) and Government-to-Business (G2B) meetings, emphasising collaborative initiatives and partnerships in telecom innovation. Key engagements included cooperation agreements with leading industry players, focusing on joint initiatives in 6G standardisation and AI-based 5G use-cases development.
Conversations revolved around the exploration of potential partnerships in telecom product supply and the Proof of Concept (POC) for railway projects. Additionally, there were engagements aimed at fostering collaboration on joint research projects and delving into the development of AI-based 5G use cases. These discussions underscored the mutual interest in leveraging technological innovations to address various challenges and enhance connectivity within the telecom sector.
Amid engaging discussions and exciting innovations showcased by industry leaders at MWC24, Secretary Mittal’s interactions and collaborations pave the way for enhanced technological solutions and partnerships driving innovation in India’s telecom industry.
OpenGov Asia covered the launch of the “Bharat 5G Portal – an Integrated Portal” during the ‘Bharat Telecom 2024,’ demonstrating India’s dedication to advancing telecommunications. The portal, a component of India’s forthcoming telecom strategies, issued a call for 6G research proposals, underscoring the nation’s commitment to expediting research for the 6G ecosystem.
Dr Mittal enphasises India’s advancements in the 5G rollout and its exploration of 6G potential, solidifying India’s role as a global player in telecom innovation. The event featured a session linking startups/MSMEs with venture capitalists/investors, fostering discussions on funding opportunities and scalability.
