Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Scindia Sets Out India’s Telecom Ambition to Lead Globally
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said many more people in India can now use broadband than a decade ago.
The reports give slightly different figures: one says about 1 billion subscribers, while another says more than 1.1 billion.
He said mobile data is very affordable, at about Rs 8 for one gigabyte.
Scindia wants India to help create technology rules, not just follow them.
He said India aims to lead in 6G, the next generation of mobile networks.
He also pointed to research, manufacturing and plans to connect rural areas.
The BharatNet programme aims to extend connectivity to villages and local councils.
Scindia said India wants to share its technology work with the rest of the world.
Jyotiraditya Scindia said broadband subscribers grew from around 60 million to more than 1.1 billion in a decade; another report cited 1 billion.
Scindia put the cost of 1 GB of mobile data at about Rs 8 and described India as among the world’s most affordable data markets.
He said India aims to move from adopting telecom standards to setting them, and to lead in 6G.
Scindia cited the Bharat 6G Alliance’s 90 institutions and 7,700 patents, including 4,400 international patents.
He also highlighted domestic manufacturing, the BharatNet rural-connectivity programme and India’s bid for a bigger role in global telecom institutions.
- Who
- Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia; Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the India Mobile Congress inauguration.
- What
- Scindia described India’s telecom growth and ambitions in broadband, 6G, technology standards, manufacturing and global cooperation.
- When
- At the 10th India Mobile Congress 2026, held October 7–10; Scindia spoke on Thursday.
- Where
- Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.
- Why
- Scindia presented the initiatives as part of India’s ambition to expand digital inclusion and become a technology developer and global telecom participant.
Earlier report
Later report
Broadband subscriber total
Earlier report
The first report says the subscriber base grew from around 60 million to 1 billion in a decade.
Later report
The second report says it grew from around 60 million to more than 1.1 billion in a decade.
- Broadband subscribers
- One report says growth from around 60 million to 1 billion in a decade; another says more than 1.1 billion.
- Mobile data price
- About Rs 8 per GB, according to Scindia.
- Bharat 6G Alliance
- Scindia said it comprises 90 institutions and has established 7,700 patents, including 4,400 international patents.
- BharatNet
- The USD 15 billion programme aims to provide middle-mile connectivity to nearly 2.6 lakh gram panchayats and on-demand connectivity to another 3.8 lakh villages.
- Manufacturing
- Scindia said India became one of the world’s top four producers of technology equipment within 22 months under the production-linked incentive programme.
- Global telecom events
- India hosted the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly in 2024; Scindia said the ITU Council accepted India’s proposal to host the Plenipotentiary Conference in 2030.
- India Mobile Congress
- The 10th edition was held October 7–10, 2026, at Yashobhoomi and organized by the Department of Telecommunications and the Cellular Operators Association of India.
