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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) – World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
The WTSA is the governing conference for the standardization work of the International Telecommunication Union, a United Nations agency for digital technologies, organized every four years. This is the first time that the ITU-WTSA is being hosted in India and the Asia-Pacific region. Mr Modi also inaugurated the 8th edition of India Mobile Congress 2024 during the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Modi said, today India is one of the most happening countries in the world in terms of telecom and related technology. He said, in India, there are 120 crore mobile phone users, 95 crore internet users and more than 40 per cent of the world’s real-time digital transactions take place. He said, India has made digital connectivity an effective tool for last-mile delivery.
Mr. Modi highlighted that India’s digital vision worked on four pillars – cheaper devices, connectivity reaching all corners, affordable data and digital-first. Prime Minister said, the WTSA aims to work towards global standards, while India Mobile Congress plays a great role in services.
The World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly is a pivotal global event that will bring together more than three thousand industry leaders, policymakers, and tech experts from over 190 countries, representing telecom, digital, and ICT sectors. It will provide a platform for countries to discuss and decide the future standards of next-generation critical technologies such as 6G, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Big Data, cybersecurity, and others.
Hosting this event in India will provide the country with an opportunity to play a key role in shaping the global telecom agenda and set the course for future technologies. Indian startups and research institutions are set to gain critical insights into developing Intellectual Property Rights and Standard Essential Patents.