Summary:
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced that India aims to expand 5G connectivity to 100 crore users by 2030 while unveiling the theme for India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026, “Scale Without Boundaries.” Highlighting that nearly 50 crore people have already gained access to 5G through investments of around ₹4.5 lakh crore, he said India now aims to lead the world in 6G development. Scheduled for October 7–10 in New Delhi, IMC 2026 will showcase AI-driven telecom networks, digital public infrastructure, satellite communications, and next-generation technologies, while bringing together global industry leaders, policymakers, startups, and investors.
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday said India is targeting 100 crore 5G users by 2030 while unveiling the theme for the 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026. The event will centre on artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled telecom networks, digital public infrastructure (DPI), and next-generation connectivity.
Speaking in New Delhi during the IMC 2026 theme launch, Scindia said nearly 50 crore people have gained access to 5G services within just two-and-a-half years, supported by investments of about ₹4.5 lakh crore and the installation of close to five lakh telecom towers.
“Our goal is to take 5G connectivity to 100 crore people by 2030. While India kept pace with the world in 5G, our aspiration is to become a global leader in 6G,” the minister said while outlining the government’s long-term telecom vision.
Scheduled from October 7 to 10 at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, the 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress will be held under the theme “Scale Without Boundaries.” Recognised as Asia’s largest digital technology platform, the event will showcase innovations in AI-powered telecom infrastructure, digital public infrastructure, satellite communications, advanced connectivity, and other emerging technologies.
Scindia said the India Mobile Congress has evolved into a truly international platform that reflects India’s expanding influence in the global technology landscape.
“It is no longer confined to India or South Asia. It has grown into a global event,” he said, adding that Indian innovations and digital technologies are gaining increasing recognition worldwide.
According to the minister, India’s digital transformation has been guided by two core principles—democratising access to technology and the philosophy of Antyodaya, ensuring that the benefits of technology reach every citizen.
“Technology should serve as an instrument to improve people’s lives. When innovation becomes accessible to everyone, it drives inclusive and sustainable development,” he said.
Highlighting the country’s progress over the past decade, Scindia noted that India now has around 1.33 billion mobile subscribers, while average monthly data consumption has reached nearly 27 GB per user, placing the country among the highest data users globally.
He also pointed to the sharp decline in mobile data prices, which have fallen from nearly ₹287 per GB about ten years ago to around ₹8 per GB today, making internet access significantly more affordable.
Discussing the future of wireless communications, the minister said India is actively preparing to lead the global transition to 6G. Multiple expert working groups have been established to participate in international standardisation efforts and strengthen India’s portfolio of essential patents for next-generation telecom technologies.
“We followed the world in 4G, progressed alongside it in 5G, and now our objective is to lead the world in 6G,” Scindia said.
He also highlighted several government initiatives designed to strengthen domestic telecom manufacturing, including the country’s first Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ), along with programmes promoting indigenous telecom technologies, semiconductor production, and advanced digital infrastructure.
Scindia further noted that India’s digital public infrastructure platforms, including UPI, Aadhaar, and DigiLocker, are increasingly being adopted or studied by countries around the world, underscoring India’s growing role in global digital innovation.
Describing IMC 2026 as a milestone edition, the minister said the event will bring together governments, telecom service providers, technology companies, startups, investors, and policymakers to showcase innovations that will shape the future of digital connectivity.
“‘Scale Without Boundaries’ is more than the theme for IMC 2026—it represents India’s vision of taking its technological innovations beyond national borders and creating solutions that benefit both the country and the global community,” he said.
