Akash Ambani Calls for Local Data Storage, Pushes AI Data Centers to Power India’s 5G Highway and Viksit Bharat Vision

Reliance Jio, India’s biggest telecom company, has urged that data from Indian users should stay within the country. Speaking at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) and ITU World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024, Chairman Akash Ambani emphasized the need for incentives, such as lower electricity costs, to help Indian companies set up artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning data centers.

Ambani described AI as a powerful tool that could transform sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, and manufacturing. He called it essential for achieving India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

“AI is key to making our dream of a developed India a reality by 2047,” Ambani said at the event, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also highlighted the need for India to embrace AI through self-reliant efforts.

Jio’s Commitment to AI

Ambani mentioned that Jio is working hard to bring the benefits of AI to every Indian, much like it did with mobile broadband. “We are dedicated to making AI accessible and affordable for all,” he added.

He explained how AI has the potential to dramatically improve industries such as manufacturing, where India could become a global hub for new-age factories and services. In agriculture, AI could help farmers grow more crops with less water, boosting their income. In healthcare and education, AI could ensure better medical treatment and learning opportunities for all.

Jio is already setting up a national AI infrastructure to support these advancements.

Call for Data Localization

Ambani urged the government to update the 2020 Data Centre Policy, stressing that Indian data should be stored within Indian data centers. He also suggested that Indian companies setting up AI and machine learning data centers should receive incentives, such as support for power consumption.

He pointed out that India has the talent and technology to provide solutions not only within the country but also to developed nations.

The Future of AI in India

Ambani noted that as AI grows, existing jobs will evolve, and new opportunities in employment and entrepreneurship will emerge, similar to the impact of computers and the internet.

He committed to leading India’s charge in mobile innovation and fully embracing AI to create a connected and intelligent future for all Indians.

India’s Digital Revolution

Ambani highlighted India’s incredible growth in digital technology, from lagging behind in mobile broadband to now being the world’s largest data market. He praised India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in 5G and assured that India would perform even better with 6G.

He also celebrated India’s progress as a startup hub, now the third-largest unicorn hub globally. He pointed out how India has transformed digital payments, with UPI becoming the world’s top digital payment system.

Ambani added that India’s mobile data prices are among the lowest in the world, yet the country enjoys some of the fastest internet speeds. He emphasized that India’s digital transformation has reached even the most remote areas, with over 530 million previously unbanked people now part of the financial system.

Ambani concluded by expressing pride in Jio’s role in India’s digital revolution and its contribution to the country’s remarkable transformation.