- DoT hosted the Ministerial Programme at India Mobile Congress 2026
- Theme: Scale Without Boundaries: Investing in the Next Billion Digital Connections
- Scindia stressed sustained investment, international cooperation and enabling policy frameworks
- Estonia and Japan ministers and international bodies joined the discussions
- Participants focused on inclusive, affordable and resilient digital connectivity towards 2030
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) hosted a Ministerial Programme at India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026. The session was held under the theme “Scale Without Boundaries: Investing in the Next Billion Digital Connections.”
Ministers, international organisations, global telecom leaders and industry stakeholders took part. They discussed how to widen meaningful digital access and speed up investment in next-generation infrastructure.
Opportunity at the centre of the agenda
Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia addressed the programme. He stressed sustained investment, stronger international cooperation and enabling policy frameworks to expand affordable and meaningful connectivity.
Scindia said the next billion people to be connected would be the hardest to reach. He added that they would also bring new learners, entrepreneurs, innovators and creators into the global digital economy.
“Our goal must be connectivity without boundaries and, ultimately, opportunity without boundaries.”
He said India’s experience showed that connectivity could be scaled with affordability, innovation and public purpose. He also pointed to 5G-Advanced, 6G, satellite networks and AI as the next steps.
Global voices on investment
Estonia’s Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs, Liisa-Ly Pakosta, and Japan’s Vice-Minister for International Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Hideo Fuseda, took part in the programme.
Seizo Onoe, Director of the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer and President of the GSMA Foundation, also spoke.
Participants called for closer work among governments, industry and international organisations. They discussed ways to mobilise investment and strengthen policy frameworks as emerging technologies reshape the sector.
Partnerships for inclusive growth
The programme stressed future-ready and resilient networks, international standards, innovation and strategic partnerships. The aim is to advance digital connectivity towards 2030.
Participants said the benefits of next-generation technologies must reach a wider population. They called for stronger international partnerships to support investment, innovation and sustainable digital development.
