Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia on Thursday called for sustained investment, stronger international cooperation and enabling policy frameworks to connect the next billion people to the digital economy, saying the people who will be the hardest to reach could also be the most transformative by bringing new learners, entrepreneurs, innovators and creators into the global digital ecosystem.
“Scale Without Boundaries is not merely about expanding telecommunications networks; it is about expanding human opportunity. The next billion people we connect will be the hardest to reach, but they will also be the most transformative by bringing new learners, entrepreneurs, innovators and creators into the global digital economy,” said Scindia.
Addressing the Ministerial Programme at India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026, Scindia said India’s experience demonstrates that connectivity can be scaled through affordability, innovation and public purpose.
“As we look towards 5G-Advanced, 6G, satellite networks and AI, our shared responsibility is to ensure that geography, income or circumstance never becomes a barrier to opportunity. Our goal must be connectivity without boundaries and, ultimately, opportunity without boundaries,” said Scindia.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, hosted the Ministerial Programme at IMC 2026 under the theme “Scale Without Boundaries: Investing in the Next Billion Digital Connections.” The high-level programme brought together ministers, international organisations, global telecommunications leaders and industry stakeholders to deliberate on expanding meaningful digital connectivity and accelerating investment in next-generation digital infrastructure.
The programme provided a platform for discussions on policy, regulation, investment and international cooperation, with a focus on advancing affordable, reliable, resilient and inclusive digital connectivity and strengthening the foundations of the global digital economy.
The Ministerial Programme featured Estonia’s Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta and Japan’s Vice-Minister for International Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Hideo Fuseda.
It also brought together leading voices from the global telecommunications ecosystem, including Seizo Onoe, Director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer and President of the GSMA Foundation.
Focus on the Next Billion Digital Connections
The discussions highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among governments, industry and international organisations to respond to the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. Participants deliberated on ways to mobilise investment, strengthen enabling policy frameworks and expand affordable and meaningful connectivity, particularly as emerging technologies continue to reshape the global communications landscape, according to a press release by the Ministry of Communications.
The Ministerial Programme also underscored the importance of future-ready and resilient networks, international standards, innovation and strategic partnerships to advance digital connectivity towards 2030.
Strengthening Global Partnerships for Inclusive Digital Growth
The deliberations reaffirmed the importance of coordinated efforts to ensure that the benefits of next-generation digital technologies reach a wider population. Participants emphasised stronger international cooperation and partnerships to create an enabling environment for investment, innovation and sustainable digital development.
The programme reinforced the “Scale Without Boundaries” vision, highlighting the role of technology, investment and international collaboration in building a more connected, inclusive and digitally empowered future.
The IMC 2026 Ministerial Programme reaffirmed the collective commitment to advancing inclusive, affordable, reliable and meaningful connectivity, while fostering partnerships to help connect the next billion people and support a more digitally empowered world.
-PIB inputs
