In the realm of technology and innovation, India is taking center stage with its annual flagship event, the India Mobile Congress (IMC). This extraordinary gathering, jointly organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), has left an indelible mark on India’s digital landscape. IMC stands as Asia’s largest telecom, media, and tech forum, serving as the premier platform for industry leaders, government officials, academia, and tech enthusiasts to explore and showcase the latest trends in Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). It’s a testament to India’s ascent as a global leader in digital transformation.

IMC 2017: The Inception
In 2017, IMC took its first steps with a visionary goal – to revolutionise India’s digital landscape. This inaugural event brought together stakeholders from various domains, including telecom, internet, mobility, ICT, app development, innovation, and startups. It marked the dawn of a new era in Indian technology.
IMC 2018: New Digital Horizons
The second edition of IMC advanced the technological quest with the theme “New Digital Horizons.” It witnessed the participation of 50,000+ visitors, delegates from 20 countries, representatives from 300+ companies, and over 5,000 international delegates, fostering innovation and connectivity.
IMC 2019: Imagining a Connected World
IMC 2019 was a turning point, focusing on the theme “Imagine: a new CONNECTED world.” With over 50 5G demos, this event highlighted the significance of 5G technology. It featured policy discussions, industry debates, and networking opportunities that attracted participants from more than 50 countries.
IMC 2020 and 2021: Navigating Virtual Frontiers
In response to the global pandemic, IMC adapted by going virtual for its 2020 and 2021 editions. Thought leaders continued to share insights on India’s digital future, engaging large audiences.
IMC 2022: The 5G Milestone
Since the launch of 5G in October 2022, India has made remarkable strides. It has become one of the few countries globally with end-to-end technology for setting up a telecom network, from towers to core infrastructure, base transceiver stations, network management systems, and more. India even successfully tested the technology with up to 1 crore people simultaneously using the network, a remarkable achievement. The country has also set a record by installing 364,000 towers across the nation, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing connectivity.
A decade ago, India had only two mobile manufacturing units. Today, it boasts over 200 units, providing nearly 7.5 lakh jobs, with companies like Apple alone employing 1 lakh people in the last two years. This exponential growth in mobile manufacturing has contributed significantly to India’s economic development.
IMC 2023: The Future Unveiled
As we approach IMC 2023, the event is set to delve deeper into the future of 5G and its evolution, kick starting Industrial Revolution 4.0 in India. This will bring the country on par with global leaders in technology. The industry is actively developing a myriad of 5G use cases, including Internet of Things (IoT), smart cities, automation, and more, which will transform various sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, education, IT, and infrastructure.
This year’s event will also explore emerging domains like 5G broadcasting, satellite technology, semiconductor manufacturing, devices, drones, and green technology. IMC continues to be a platform for innovation, entrepreneurship, and global recognition.
Conclusion
The journey of the India Mobile Congress is a testament to India’s remarkable progress in the tech industry. From its inception in 2017 to the upcoming IMC 2023, this event has evolved and adapted to the ever-changing technology landscape. It has played a pivotal role in the growth and transformation of India’s digital ecosystem, paving the way for innovation, entrepreneurship, and global recognition.
As we embark on the seventh edition of IMC, we can’t help but feel the excitement and anticipation for what the future holds in India’s digital revolution. IMC is not just a conference; it’s a celebration of India’s journey in the world of technology, and the best is yet to come.