NEW DELHI, Oct 7: The 10th edition of India Mobile Congress (IMC) began in New Delhi on Wednesday, bringing together the telecommunications and technology sectors at a time when artificial intelligence, 6G, satellite communications and cybersecurity are rapidly reshaping digital infrastructure.
The four-day event, being held at Yashobhoomi from October 7 to 10, has placed next-generation connectivity and intelligent digital systems at the centre of discussions. The event is jointly organised by the Department of Telecommunications and the Cellular Operators Association of India.
The 2026 edition is being held under the theme “Scale Without Boundaries” and is designed to provide a platform for technology companies, telecom operators, startups, policymakers, researchers and investors to examine the next phase of India’s digital transformation.
A major focus this year is the development of 6G technologies. While 5G networks continue to expand and operators explore ways to generate greater commercial value from existing infrastructure, industry discussions are increasingly shifting towards the architecture, spectrum requirements and standards that will support the next generation of wireless communication.
The event includes the third International Bharat 6G Symposium, where participants are expected to discuss the foundations of 6G, global standards for IMT-2030 and spectrum-related requirements. Preparations linked to the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 are also part of the broader conversation.
Artificial intelligence is another central theme at IMC 2026. The telecom industry is increasingly examining how AI can be integrated directly into network operations rather than being treated simply as an external application.
AI-powered systems can help operators automate routine functions, predict equipment failures, optimise energy consumption, identify unusual network behaviour and improve service management. This is leading to growing interest in what the industry describes as AI-native telecom networks.
The GSMA programme at the event is examining the relationship between AI and telecommunications from both directions. Discussions are looking at how telecom networks can support the expansion of AI while AI itself can be used to make networks more intelligent, automated and responsive.
This shift has implications beyond mobile connectivity. As businesses increasingly rely on cloud computing, digital platforms and AI applications, communications networks are becoming a critical part of the wider digital economy.
India’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem has made reliable connectivity important for sectors ranging from manufacturing and healthcare to education, logistics and public services. The next stage of development is therefore expected to involve networks capable of handling significantly more data while maintaining reliability and security.
Satellite communication is another important area being highlighted at the congress. The growing interest in non-terrestrial networks and direct-to-device connectivity is creating new possibilities for extending communication services beyond traditional terrestrial infrastructure.
Satellite-based systems could help improve connectivity in remote locations and provide additional options for emergency communication, disaster response and other situations where conventional networks may be difficult to deploy.
The commercial future of 5G is also receiving attention. Telecom operators across the world are looking for ways to move beyond connectivity revenues by developing new enterprise services and specialised applications.
At IMC 2026, discussions around 5G monetisation include network APIs, enterprise applications, private networks and other technologies that can enable companies to build services on top of telecom infrastructure. The focus reflects a broader transition from simply increasing network speeds to creating commercially valuable digital services.
Cybersecurity has gained equal importance as connectivity becomes more deeply integrated into critical systems.
The congress has dedicated programmes covering digital trust, responsible AI, data privacy, fraud prevention, critical infrastructure protection, Zero Trust architecture and network resilience. These issues have become increasingly significant as cyber threats evolve alongside advances in AI and cloud technology.
The GSMA has also highlighted digital trust as a major requirement for India’s next stage of technological growth. According to findings presented at the event, one in eight Indians experienced a scam during the past year, while a large proportion of people who lost money were unable to recover it.
The findings underline the need for stronger cooperation among telecom operators, technology companies, financial institutions, regulators and consumers to combat digital fraud.
India’s enormous mobile user base gives the country a significant opportunity to develop solutions that can eventually be applied at scale. With more than a billion mobile connections and hundreds of millions of 5G connections, the country’s telecom infrastructure is increasingly becoming a foundation for digital economic activity.
The transition towards 6G will also require collaboration between industry, academia and government. Research institutions and technology companies are expected to play an important role in developing technologies that can eventually be incorporated into future communication standards.
Semiconductors and advanced chipsets form another major component of the event. Modern telecom networks depend on specialised computing hardware, and the expansion of AI is increasing demand for processors capable of handling increasingly complex workloads.
Quantum communications are also part of the technology agenda, reflecting growing interest in technologies that could strengthen communications security and prepare networks for future computational threats.
The event’s focus on advanced manufacturing and robotics further demonstrates how telecommunications is becoming connected with industrial technology. Faster and more reliable networks can support connected factories, autonomous systems, remote monitoring and machine-to-machine communication.
Startups are another important component of IMC 2026. The event provides young technology companies with an opportunity to demonstrate products and solutions while connecting with larger companies, investors and government institutions.
The combination of startups and established technology companies is expected to encourage collaboration across areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, satellite communication, robotics and digital infrastructure.
For India, the event also represents an opportunity to strengthen its position in global technology discussions. The country’s ambitions in 6G, semiconductor manufacturing, AI and digital infrastructure increasingly require participation in international standards and technology partnerships.
The congress therefore extends beyond being a showcase for new devices and telecom products. Its larger significance lies in discussions about how networks will evolve as computing, communications and artificial intelligence become increasingly interconnected.
With the technology sector moving towards autonomous systems, intelligent networks and more distributed computing, the coming years are likely to bring significant changes to how digital services are delivered.
IMC 2026 is seeking to bring those developments into one forum, with 6G, AI, satellite communications, cybersecurity and advanced computing forming key elements of the conversation about India’s digital future.