India Inaugurates ITU-WTSA 2024 and India Mobile Congress

Why in the news?

Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the first-ever ITU-WTSA in India, highlighting India’s telecom advancements and global role in shaping future technology standards like 6G and AI.

India Inaugurates ITU-WTSA 2024 and India Mobile Congress

Key Events:

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the International Telecommunication Union – World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (ITU-WTSA) 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, and the 8th edition of India Mobile Congress 2024.
  • This is the first time ITU-WTSA is being hosted in India and the Asia-Pacific region, marking a significant moment for the country.

India’s Telecom Growth:

  • PM Modi emphasised India’s leadership in telecom and digital technology, with 120 crore mobile users, 95 crore internet users, and accounting for over 40% of global real-time digital transactions.
  • India’s digital vision is built on four pillars: affordable devices, widespread connectivity, cost-effective data, and a digital-first approach, making digital connectivity a tool for last-mile delivery.

Global Impact of ITU-WTSA:

  • The assembly will see over 3,000 leaders from 190 countries discussing future telecom standards, including 6G, AI, IoT, Big Data, and cybersecurity.
  • Hosting the event offers India a key role in shaping global telecom standards, benefiting startups and research institutions with insights into Intellectual Property Rights and Standard Essential Patents.

About World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA):

  • Held every four years since its first in 2002.
  • Governs the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T).
  • Defines work programs, methods, and structures for study groups in ITU-T.
  • Crucial in setting global telecommunication standards for interoperability and innovation.
  • WTSA 2024 will be held in New Delhi from October 14 to 24, 2024, marking its first event in the Asia-Pacific region.
  • Preceded by the Global Standards Symposium (GSS) on October 14, 2024, to discuss ICT standardisation policies.

Significance of WTSA 2024

  • Reflects India’s increasing role in global telecommunications and commitment to advancing ICT standards.
  • Focus areas include 6G, AI, IoT, big data, cybersecurity, M2M communications, and quantum technologies.
  • Shapes the future of global telecommunications standards.
  • Expected to bring together over 3,000 leaders and technology experts from 190+ countries, fostering collaboration.

About the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

  • A specialised UN agency for information and communication technologies (ICT), founded in
  • Coordinates governments and private sector efforts for global telecom and ICT standards.
  • Has 193 member countries and over 1,000 partners, including companies, universities, and organisations.
  • Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times