India Mobile Congress 2026: 10th Edition Begins at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi — Theme 'Scale Without Boundaries', Focus on 6G, AI and Semiconductors

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The 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 commenced on October 7, 2026 at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi. The landmark 10th edition — a milestone in the event's decade-long history — is being held from October 7 to 10, 2026, under the theme 'Scale Without Boundaries'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to formally inaugurate the event on October 8. The theme was unveiled by Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia. The event is Asia's largest annual digital technology forum, and the 10th edition is expected to attract over 1.5 lakh visitors, 300+ exhibitors from 100+ countries, and showcase over 1,500 technology use cases.

Background

The India Mobile Congress was launched in 2017 as a joint initiative of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), under the Ministry of Communications, and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). It was conceived as a platform to showcase India's growing digital technology ecosystem, connect global telecom leaders with Indian policymakers and entrepreneurs, and accelerate the country's digital transformation agenda. Each annual edition has aligned closely with the prevailing technology wave — from 4G LTE in its early years to 5G in 2019–2023, and now to 6G and AI-integrated networks in 2026.

The IMC sits at the intersection of three flagship Government of India programmes: Digital India (universal digital access and literacy), Make in India (domestic manufacturing of telecom equipment), and Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance in critical technology). India's telecom sector — the world's second-largest by subscriber base with over 1.18 billion wireless subscribers — provides both the scale and strategic significance that make IMC a globally relevant forum.

Past IMC Editions (Select)

Current Developments

The 2026 edition arrives at a pivotal inflection point for Indian telecom. India completed its nationwide 5G rollout in 2024, and the industry is now focused on 5G monetisation — converting the infrastructure investment into sustainable revenue through enterprise applications, fixed wireless access (FWA), and AI-driven services. Simultaneously, India has already begun 6G research and standardisation, with a target of becoming a key contributor to global 6G standards (under ITU-R and 3GPP) before commercial deployments begin globally around 2030.

The strategic pillars of IMC 2026 are encapsulated in four Sanskrit-rooted acronyms reflecting the Government's digital vision:

• SRISHTI (Building the Future): 6G research, next-generation network architecture, digital infrastructure
• SAMVARDHAN (Fueling Growth): 5G monetisation, enterprise digital transformation, Industry 4.0
• SASHAKT (Expanding Opportunities): Semiconductor manufacturing, satellite broadband, deep-tech startups
• SURAKSHA (Strengthening Trust): Cybersecurity, data governance, trusted telecom supply chains

Key Facts

• Event: India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026
• Edition: 10th (landmark)
• Dates: October 7–10, 2026
• Venue: Yashobhoomi (India International Convention and Expo Centre), New Delhi
• Theme: "Scale Without Boundaries"
• Inauguration: Prime Minister Narendra Modi (October 8, 2026)
• Theme unveiled by: Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia (Minister of Communications)
• Organizers: DoT (Department of Telecommunications) + COAI (Cellular Operators Association of India)
• Expected attendance: 1.5 lakh+ (150,000+)
• Exhibitors: 300+ from 100+ countries
• Technology use cases: 1,500+
• Key participants: Qualcomm, GSMA, Ericsson, Jio, Vodafone Idea, Bharti Airtel, Intel
• Focus areas: 6G, AI, AI-native telecom networks, 5G monetisation, satellite communications, semiconductors, quantum communications, cybersecurity, robotics, Industry 4.0

Constitutional Provisions

Telecommunications in India falls under Entry 31 of the Union List (Seventh Schedule): "Posts and telegraphs; telephones, wireless, broadcasting and other like forms of communication." This gives the Central Government exclusive legislative and policy authority over all telecom matters. Article 246 grants Parliament the power to make laws on Union List subjects. The Indian Telecommunication Act, 2023 now replaces the Indian Telegraph Act 1885 and the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act 1933 as the primary legislation governing the sector.

Legal Framework

• Indian Telecommunication Act, 2023: Replaces the century-old Indian Telegraph Act (1885). Rationalises spectrum assignment, protects users, mandates cybersecurity, and empowers the Central Government to take over telecom networks in national interest.
• Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 (TRAI Act): TRAI is the independent regulator for tariffs, interconnection, and quality of service.
• Information Technology Act, 2000 (and amendments): Governs digital data, cybercrime, and electronic commerce — critical for the IMC's AI and cybersecurity agenda.
• Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDPA): Governs processing of digital personal data — directly relevant to AI in telecom, data localisation, and user consent frameworks showcased at IMC.
• Semiconductor Mission under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): Under the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme and the Modified Scheme for Setting Up Semiconductor Fabs (2021, revised 2023).

Institutional Framework

• Department of Telecommunications (DoT): Under the Ministry of Communications; primary regulator and policy-maker for spectrum, licensing, and telecom infrastructure.
• TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India): Independent regulator for tariffs, service quality, and interconnection.
• COAI (Cellular Operators Association of India): Industry body representing Jio, Airtel, and Vi (Vodafone Idea) — the three private telecom operators.
• C-DOT (Centre for Development of Telematics): Government's telecom R&D arm; leads India's 6G research and indigenous network stack development.
• BharatNet: DoT's rural broadband programme for last-mile fibre connectivity to gram panchayats.
• India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): Nodal body under MeitY for semiconductor policy and incentive schemes.
• GSMA: Global industry association representing 750+ mobile operators worldwide; a key IMC partner and knowledge partner.
• ITU (International Telecommunication Union): UN specialised agency for information and communication technologies; sets global telecom standards including 6G (IMT-2030).

Economic Dimensions

India's telecom sector contributes approximately 6–7% of GDP and is a critical enabler of the broader digital economy. The 5G rollout (completed 2024) is expected to add USD 450 billion to India's GDP by 2035 (GSMA estimate), largely through enterprise applications: manufacturing automation, smart agriculture, telemedicine, and connected logistics. 5G monetisation — converting the network investment into revenue — is the immediate priority, with enterprise 5G slices and fixed wireless access (FWA) as the primary revenue streams.

The semiconductor focus at IMC 2026 is directly linked to India's ambition to become a global chip-manufacturing hub. The Government has approved projects worth over ₹1.5 lakh crore under the semiconductor incentive scheme, including a TATA Electronics fab in Dholera (Gujarat) and a Micron ATMP unit in Sanand (Gujarat). The semiconductor and electronics manufacturing sector is projected to reach USD 300 billion by 2030.

For the banking and financial sector: AI-native telecom networks will transform digital payments, fraud detection, and financial inclusion. The proliferation of satellite broadband will extend fintech services to unbanked rural populations, aligning with RBI's financial inclusion mandate.

Environmental Dimensions

IMC 2026 includes a dedicated track on Green Telecom and CleanTech. The telecom sector is a significant energy consumer; 5G networks, while more efficient per bit, require denser antenna deployments (increasing absolute energy use). India's telecom companies have committed to achieving net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2040. Key initiatives include solar-powered towers (already deployed at ~35% of towers nationwide), energy-efficient hardware procurement, and e-waste management under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. Satellite constellations (LEO broadband) also raise concerns about space debris and radio-frequency interference with astronomical observations.

Social Dimensions

The "Scale Without Boundaries" theme explicitly addresses the digital divide — the gap between urban and rural, literate and illiterate, rich and poor in accessing digital services. BharatNet and satellite broadband (via OneWeb-Eutelsat, Jio Satellite, Starlink-India) aim to bridge last-mile connectivity. PM-WANI (PM Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) allows public Wi-Fi through decentralised access points. IMC 2026 will showcase AI tools for vernacular language interfaces, assistive technologies for people with disabilities, and digital skilling platforms targeting rural youth.

International Relations

IMC 2026 has strong geopolitical dimensions. India's push for trusted telecom supply chains — excluding untrusted vendors under the Indian Telecommunication Act, 2023 — aligns with global efforts (US CHIPS Act, EU Cyber Resilience Act) to diversify away from specific vendors in critical digital infrastructure. India's participation in the Quad (US, Japan, Australia, India) and bilateral agreements on telecom security and 5G partnerships with countries like Japan, South Korea, and Finland are directly tied to the IMC's agenda. India has also signed a Quadrilateral Semiconductor Supply Chain Initiative with the US, Japan, and the EU to reduce dependence on single geographies for chips.

Challenges

• Spectrum availability for 6G: India needs to plan long-term spectrum allocations for 6G (sub-THz and upper mid-band frequencies) ahead of ITU's IMT-2030 finalisation.
• 5G monetisation gap: Despite network coverage, enterprise adoption of 5G use cases (private networks, network slicing) remains slow; limited awareness and high costs constrain uptake.
• Semiconductor ecosystem gaps: India lacks a mature semiconductor design ecosystem; fab projects are in construction phase; talent shortfall in chip design needs to be addressed through university programmes.
• Cybersecurity: The proliferation of AI-native networks and IoT devices expands the attack surface; India's cyber incident response capacity needs strengthening under CERT-In.
• E-Waste: Rapid device upgrade cycles (from 4G to 5G to future 6G handsets) generate significant electronic waste that current recycling infrastructure cannot fully handle.

Government Initiatives

• India 6G Alliance (I6GA): DoT-led industry-academia-government consortium to develop indigenous 6G technology, build IPR, and influence global standards.
• India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): ₹76,000 crore incentive scheme for semiconductor fabs, display fabs, and ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging) units.
• Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme: Supports domestic semiconductor chip design through financial incentives and infrastructure.
• BharatNet Phase III: Fibre and wireless last-mile connectivity to all gram panchayats.
• PM-WANI: Public Wi-Fi framework for decentralised internet access.
• Digital India 2.0: Updated digital transformation programme with AI, data governance, and quantum computing pillars.
• National Quantum Mission (NQM): ₹6,003 crore programme (2023–31) for quantum computing, communications, sensing and metrology.

Way Forward

• India should leverage IMC 2026 to accelerate 6G standardisation contributions through C-DOT and IITs, building IPR that reduces future royalty dependence — a recommendation echoed by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications (2024).
• The TRAI should expedite a long-term spectrum roadmap for 6G, including upper mid-band (7–16 GHz) and sub-THz bands, following the ITU's World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27) allocations.
• To bridge the digital divide, the Government should use IMC outcomes to update the National Broadband Mission's targets and fund last-mile satellite broadband for the remaining unconnected panchayats.
• India's semiconductor ambition requires a dedicated National Semiconductor University (recommended by NITI Aayog's 2023 semiconductor report) and industry-aligned curriculum in IITs and NITs.
• A robust Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework for telecom hardware, aligned with the E-Waste Management Rules 2022, should be enforced to address growing e-waste from device upgrades.

Possible Mains Questions

1. India's 'Scale Without Boundaries' vision for digital connectivity reflects both an opportunity and a challenge. Critically examine India's readiness for 6G leadership and the structural gaps that must be addressed before global commercial rollout in 2030. (GS-III, 250 words)
2. "The India Mobile Congress has evolved from a telecom industry showcase to a strategic platform for India's geopolitical ambitions in digital technology." Discuss with reference to the 2026 edition. (GS-II/III, 250 words)

Possible Prelims MCQs

1. Q: The India Mobile Congress (IMC) is jointly organised by: (a) TRAI and NASSCOM (b) DoT and COAI (c) MeitY and CII (d) DoT and FICCI. Answer: (b). DoT (Department of Telecommunications) and COAI (Cellular Operators Association of India).
2. Q: The theme of the 10th edition of India Mobile Congress 2026 is: (a) New Digital Universe (b) Connecting Bharat (c) Scale Without Boundaries (d) Future is Now. Answer: (c).
3. Q: Yashobhoomi, the venue for IMC 2026, is located in: (a) Mumbai (b) Hyderabad (c) Bengaluru (d) New Delhi. Answer: (d). Yashobhoomi (India International Convention and Expo Centre) is in Dwarka, New Delhi.
4. Q: Which of the following correctly describes C-DOT? (a) An SEBI-registered telecom investment fund (b) The Government's telecom R&D organisation under DoT (c) A COAI subsidiary for tower management (d) A TRAI advisory committee on digital regulation. Answer: (b). C-DOT (Centre for Development of Telematics) is the DoT's premier telecom technology development centre and leads India's 6G research.
5. Q: Which legislation replaced the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, as the primary law governing Indian telecommunications? (a) TRAI Act, 1997 (b) IT Act, 2000 (c) Indian Telecommunication Act, 2023 (d) Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. Answer: (c).

Essay Dimensions

1. "Connectivity is the new infrastructure — 6G and the race for digital sovereignty in the 21st century." (Technology and geopolitics)
2. "India's semiconductor ambition: late starter, fast learner, or permanent follower?" (Economy and technology)
3. "From BharatNet to satellite broadband: the unfinished agenda of universal digital access in India." (Social justice and technology)
4. "Trusted telecom: how supply chain security has become a national security imperative." (Internal security)
5. "Digital India at the crossroads: bridging the urban-rural technology divide before 6G widens it further." (Governance)

Interview Questions

1. What is the difference between 5G monetisation and 5G deployment? What are the key revenue models being explored for 5G in India?
2. What is the India 6G Alliance (I6GA), and how does India plan to contribute to global 6G standardisation?
3. How does the Indian Telecommunication Act, 2023 differ from the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and what are its key provisions regarding national security?
4. What are the "four strategic pillars" of IMC 2026 — SRISHTI, SAMVARDHAN, SASHAKT, SURAKSHA — and what do they represent?
5. India wants to be a semiconductor manufacturing hub. What are the key advantages and structural gaps it needs to overcome to achieve this goal?

FAQ

Q: What is the India Mobile Congress (IMC)?

IMC is Asia's largest annual digital technology forum, jointly organised by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). It brings together global telecom companies, tech firms, policymakers, startups, and academics to showcase innovations in mobile and digital technology. The 2026 edition is the 10th, held at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.

Q: What does 'Scale Without Boundaries' mean?

The theme reflects a vision where digital innovation is no longer constrained by geography, industry sector, or technology type. It envisions a world where trusted digital infrastructure, AI, next-generation connectivity, and cross-border collaboration allow innovations developed anywhere to create impact everywhere — from rural Indian villages to global enterprise supply chains.

Q: What is India's plan for 6G?

India aims to be a leading contributor to 6G technology development and global standards (via ITU-R's IMT-2030 process). C-DOT and the India 6G Alliance (I6GA) are conducting indigenous research. The Government's vision is to begin 6G commercial deployment by 2030, build substantial intellectual property, and reduce India's dependence on imported technology for critical national infrastructure.

Q: What is COAI?

COAI stands for the Cellular Operators Association of India. It is the industry association representing mobile telecom operators in India, including Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi). COAI co-organises IMC with DoT and represents the industry's interests in regulatory and policy forums.

Further Reading

• DoT official website: https://dot.gov.in/
• India Mobile Congress: https://www.indiamobilecongress.com/
• TRAI: https://www.trai.gov.in/
• India Semiconductor Mission: https://ismindia.gov.in/
• Indian Telecommunication Act, 2023: https://dot.gov.in/act-rules/indian-telecommunication-act-2023