India Mobile Congress 2026 has opened at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, bringing telecom operators, technology companies, startups, policymakers and investors together for the 10th edition of the country’s flagship telecom and digital technology event. The four-day event runs from October 7 to 10, with 6G, AI-native networks, satellite communications, cybersecurity and next-generation digital infrastructure among the major themes.
IMC 2026 Opens Ahead of PM Modi’s October 8 Inauguration
The 10th edition of India Mobile Congress is being held from October 7 to 10 at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka. The event is jointly organised by the Department of Telecommunications and the Cellular Operators Association of India under the theme “Scale Without Boundaries.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally inaugurate IMC 2026 on October 8 at around 10 AM and address the gathering. This means the exhibition and associated programmes have started, while the main official inauguration is still scheduled for Thursday.
The event is expected to attract more than 1.5 lakh attendees from over 100 countries, with more than 500 partners and exhibitors, 600 startups and 900 thought leaders participating. The programme includes more than 2,000 technology use cases and over 120 sessions.
6G and AI-Native Networks Take Centre Stage
6G is one of the central themes at this year’s event as India attempts to move from being primarily a telecom technology adopter towards a larger role in future standards, intellectual property and network development.
The programme covers 5G and 6G alongside next-generation AI networks, with discussions expected to focus on how artificial intelligence will increasingly become part of network architecture and operations. The GSMA’s IMC programme similarly describes the next phase of Indian telecom as a transition towards networks that support AI adoption, enterprise applications, digital infrastructure and trusted digital services.
The 6G discussion is particularly relevant following recent government statements about India’s growing contribution to 6G intellectual property and its ambition to increase its role in global standardisation.
For operators, the question is gradually moving beyond simply deploying faster radio networks. The next generation of telecom infrastructure is expected to combine connectivity with AI, cloud, edge computing, sensing and automated network management.
Starlink Puts Satellite Connectivity in the Spotlight
Satellite communications are another major theme at IMC 2026, with SpaceX’s Starlink among the companies drawing attention on the first day.
Starlink Business Operations VP Lauren Dreyer is participating in the event as the company prepares for its eventual Indian commercial launch. Starlink has said it has already built 20 gateway sites in India and hundreds of antennas, while also implementing India-specific security controls. However, commercial satellite broadband service has not yet begun because the company is still completing the Indian regulatory process.
That makes satellite connectivity one of the most important areas to watch during IMC 2026, particularly as Starlink, Jio Satellite Communications and Eutelsat OneWeb move towards India’s emerging satellite broadband market.
Cybersecurity Becomes a Telecom Infrastructure Issue
Cybersecurity has been given a dedicated place in the IMC 2026 programme through the Cyber Security Summit.
The focus reflects how telecom networks are increasingly supporting banking, digital payments, cloud applications, enterprise systems and digital public infrastructure. Network security therefore affects much more than traditional voice and data services.
Discussions at IMC are covering areas including digital trust, critical infrastructure protection, data privacy, network resilience and fraud prevention. Moneycontrol’s live coverage also identified cybersecurity as one of the major themes of the first day.
The growing use of AI in telecom networks adds another layer to this issue. AI can help identify fraud, automate network operations and improve security, but it also creates new requirements around data governance, model security and resilience.
IMC Expands Beyond Traditional Telecom
This year’s event is also broader than a conventional telecom exhibition.
The established focus areas include 5G, 6G, AI networks, semiconductors, non-terrestrial networks, cybersecurity, quantum communication, enterprise transformation, circular economy and ESG, and electronics manufacturing. Four additional domains have been added: smart mobility, stadium experiences, industrial robotics and transport technology.
That expansion reflects the changing role of connectivity. Telecom networks are increasingly becoming infrastructure for vehicles, factories, robots, smart buildings, entertainment venues and industrial systems.
Startups and Indian Technology Companies Get a Larger Role
IMC 2026 is also putting greater emphasis on startups and Indian technology companies.
More than 600 startups are expected to participate, while the event includes the Startup World Cup India 2026 and other innovation programmes. A new Viksit Tech 47 initiative is also being showcased, highlighting Indian technology companies across areas including consumer devices, connected mobility, smart home and IoT, components and manufacturing, AI, DeepTech and SaaS.
The emphasis is significant because India’s telecom story is increasingly moving from network deployment towards domestic technology development, manufacturing and intellectual property.
What to Watch From Jio, Airtel, BSNL and Other Players
The most important developments from IMC 2026 are likely to come through individual company announcements rather than the event itself.
Jio, Airtel, Vodafone Idea and BSNL are among the companies whose network strategies, enterprise offerings, AI initiatives and next-generation connectivity plans will be closely watched. Global technology companies and equipment makers are also expected to use the event to demonstrate new network, semiconductor, cloud and AI technologies.
However, an exhibition demonstration should not automatically be treated as a commercial launch. For TelecomByte coverage, the distinction between a prototype, demonstration, partnership, trial, announced product and commercially available service will be particularly important.
IMC 2026 Has Shifted From Preview to Announcement Mode
The most useful way to cover India Mobile Congress this year is therefore not another broad event introduction.
The event has now moved into its announcement phase. Day 1 has already produced concrete developments around Starlink’s Indian infrastructure, cybersecurity, AI-native telecom networks and Indian technology startups, while October 8’s formal inauguration is likely to bring additional announcements and policy statements.
For readers, the important question is no longer simply what IMC 2026 is about. It is what Jio, Airtel, BSNL, Starlink, equipment manufacturers, startups and policymakers actually announce or demonstrate during the four-day event.
TelecomByte can therefore track IMC 2026 as a continuing news stream, separating confirmed commercial launches and policy decisions from demonstrations, partnerships and future technology plans.
