Modi highlights biggest citizen dividend of tech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the significant benefits that mobile phones have brought to citizens, describing them as the "biggest citizen dividend" of technology. Speaking at the 10th India Mobile Congress in Delhi, Modi emphasized that mobile phones have reduced travel time, waiting times, costs, and have increased convenience in people's lives.

Modi described the Digital India initiative as a major effort to democratize technology and bridge the digital divide, ensuring that modern technology is not limited to those with resources. The mobile phone plays a central role in this transformation, acting as an important tool for good governance, he stated.

The government has undertaken reforms in the telecom sector and expanded infrastructure to democratize access to technology. Efforts have been made to ensure that mobile phones and other telecom hardware are manufactured in India, he added.

Modi also highlighted the expansion of 5G connectivity across the country, noting that the technology has reached every district. There are over 5.5 lakh 5G base stations operating in India, driving the 5G network. Mobile internet speeds have increased tenfold compared to 2022, he said.

Recalling his participation in previous editions of the India Mobile Congress, Modi noted that the platform has witnessed the evolution of India's telecom sector and digital connectivity over the years. The 5G rollout began at the India Mobile Congress platform in 2022, while Modi spoke about India's transition from 5G rollout to 5G reach-out in 2023.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to citizens and friends of India worldwide for their wishes and greetings on his 25 years of service as the Head of Government. Earlier, Modi inaugurated the 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress at Yashobhoomi in the national capital, where he was felicitated by Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.