New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the edition of India Mobile Congress 2026 at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, highlighting India’s rapid expansion in 5G connectivity and its growing role in the global technology sector.
The tenth edition of India Mobile Congress 2026 is being held under the theme "Scale Without Boundaries". Has brought together telecom companies, technology firms, start‑ups, investors, policymakers and industry leaders from more than one hundred countries.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Modi pointed to the changes in India’s telecom sector since the launch of 5G in 2022. He said 5G has now reached every district in the country with around five hundred fifty thousand 5G base stations operational.
“In 2022 we launched 5G from this platform. In 2023, I explained how India transformed from 5G rollout to 5G reach-out, and today we are witnessing how 5G has reached every district of our country," Prime Minister Modi said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the increase in internet speeds, saying they have grown nearly tenfold since 2022. He said the expansion of telecom connectivity has also made it easier for citizens to access government services and receive benefits directly through their bank accounts.
According to Prime Minister Modi, fifty lakh crore rupees has been transferred to beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer, while the system has helped prevent nearly five lakh crore rupees from being diverted to unintended beneficiaries.
Prime Minister Modi also said India’s role in the technology sector is changing, with the country moving beyond being a consumer market.
“Over the years, India has transformed from being a consumer to a creator " Prime Minister Modi said, adding that the government is now focusing on encouraging product design, technology development and intellectual property creation within the country.
Scindia Sets One Billion 5G Users Target By 2030
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia said the growth of India’s telecom sector over the decade reflects the wider transformation of the country’s digital economy.
Scindia said India now has than one point three five billion telecom subscribers and over one point zero nine billion broadband connections. Average monthly data consumption has also increased sharply from zero point two six gigabytes in 2014 to than thirty six gigabytes today.
At the time the cost of data has fallen significantly. Scindia said the price of one gigabyte of data has dropped from two hundred sixty eight rupees in 2014 to around eight rupees today.
He said India’s 5G rollout has already reached five hundred fifty million users across ninety nine point nine percent of the country’s districts.
“Our aim now is clear: to connect one billion 5G users by 2030 and lead the era of global digital innovation " Scindia said.
The minister also highlighted some of the technologies being demonstrated at India Mobile Congress 2026 including satellite connectivity AI‑native pre‑6G networks, sovereign cloud, terahertz communications and cell broadcast technology.
IMC 2026 Focuses On Emerging Technologies
This year’s India Mobile Congress 2026 is not limited to telecom connectivity with the event showcasing technologies in areas such as artificial intelligence, smart mobility, industrial robotics and transport.
The event is built around four themes. Srishti, Samvardhan, Sashakt and Suraksha. Covering innovation, investment and growth expanding opportunities and building secure technology networks.
The event is expected to draw than one point five lakh visitors, along with over five hundred exhibitors and partners six hundred start‑ups and more than nine hundred thought leaders. Seven hundred investor meetings are also expected to take place during the event.
DoT Showcases Indigenous Technology
The Department of Telecommunications is also showcasing several of its initiatives at the event through its pavilion centred on the "Samridh Gram" initiative.
The pavilion highlights the use of telecom technology in areas and features initiatives such as Sanchar Saathi and the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator. Demonstrations from the Telecommunication Engineering Centre and other technology programmes are also being showcased.
The exhibition gives start‑ups, technology companies and research institutions an opportunity to showcase products and technologies aimed at both the domestic and international markets.
With participation from companies and policymakers across the world India Mobile Congress 2026 is expected to serve as a platform for technology partnerships, investments and discussions, around the next phase of global digital connectivity.
