Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India’s telecom sector has moved beyond networks, spectrum and internet speeds, with mobile phones emerging as important tools for good governance and access to public services.
Addressing the 10th edition of India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 in New Delhi, PM Modi said mobile phones had transformed over the past decade from conventional communication devices into key instruments for delivering governance.
“Mobile phone has become a tool of good governance,” the Prime Minister said.
Recalling IMC’s evolution, PM Modi said the event had mirrored India’s telecom journey from the 5G launch in 2022 to hosting the International Telecommunication Union in 2024.
He said 5G now reaches every district, with over 5.5 lakh base stations, while mobile internet speeds have risen tenfold since 2022.
Modi said the government used the Digital India programme to bridge the digital divide and expand access to mobile connectivity and public services.
He said this year’s IMC theme, “Scale Without Boundaries”, reflected India’s experience of rapidly expanding its telecom and digital infrastructure.
PM Modi said India should measure telecom growth not only by network speeds and spectrum but also by its impact on governance and access to essential services.
“For Indians, telecom means much more,” PM Modi said.
He said India’s digital ecosystem kept essential services running during the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting the value of connectivity.
PM Modi said IMC had become a platform for showcasing India’s telecom and digital progress. The event is being held from October 7 to 10 in New Delhi.
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