India’s biggest telecom and tech show, the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026, wrapped up on October 10 at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the 10th edition on October 8 with a big claim: 5G has now reached every district in India, with more than 5.5 lakh 5G base stations running across the country.
The four-day event, organised by the Department of Telecommunications and the Cellular Operators Association of India, ran under the theme “Scale Without Boundaries”.
What PM Modi said
Modi said the next phase of India’s digital growth will focus on 6G, artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors. He also spoke about making technology reach every section of society, and called for countries to work together against cyber fraud and deepfakes, according to Zee Business.
What the telecom companies showed
Reliance Jio stole the show with its home-grown radio technology and “pre-6G” work. It displayed a Giga MIMO radio paired with equipment designed to support both 5G and future 6G networks.
Bharti Airtel focused on cloud services, data centres and cybersecurity for businesses. Vodafone Idea showed AI-powered customer service and connectivity for factories. BSNL announced projects on network security and government messaging.
Many of these are still at the prototype or research stage, according to an analysis by Telecom Unpacked. No formal 6G policy or spectrum plan was announced.
Beyond phones: what else was on show
The agenda covered AI-powered networks, satellite internet, quantum communication, cybersecurity and robotics. This year’s show also added four new areas: smart mobility, stadium experiences, industrial robots and transport technology, according to BW Businessworld.
What it means for you
For mobile users: 5G is already in every district, so the real improvements now will be better coverage and plans, not a brand-new network. 6G is still years away, so there is no need to wait for it before buying a phone.
For businesses: AI-run networks and factory connectivity will open up new uses in manufacturing, logistics and transport.
For everyone: the focus on deepfakes and cyber fraud is a reminder to double-check unexpected calls, messages and videos before you trust them.
India’s AI and chip ambitions were a big theme at the show. Read our deep dive on India’s AI and semiconductor push, or look back at how IMC 2024 debated AI policy.
Sources: BW Businessworld, Zee Business, ETV Bharat and Telecom Unpacked.
