The future of Indian ICT is indeed wireless as the mobile device becomes more than a mere connectivity medium giving access to a host of services such as finance, health, entertainment and education. South Asia’s largest ICT event 18th Convergence India 2010 Expo currently being held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 23-25 March continued its technology showcase focusing on wireless technologies and applications serving India’s 1 billion plus population. The second day of the event saw high footfall of quality attendees thronging the buzzing business platform of the expo.

The concurrent conference was marked with enlightening lectures on re-defining broadband where the penetration in the country is currently only 15%.The remaining 85% serves as a ready market for wireless broadband applications which is poised to boom with the growth of wireless technologies. “Broadband connectivity is critical to economic growth,” declared Mr. Ashish Sharma, Vice President, Corporate Market Development, Alvarion Ltd. He highlighted that the wireless broadband applications span across verticals including Internet service, video surveillance, data monitoring & control, controlling peak power demand and more efficient reliable networks for a smart power grid, mobile police force, tele-medicine, traffic management, e-learning and passenger information systems for public transport.

As 3G and WiMAX prepare for a nationwide launch, applications providers are gearing up with innovative value added services and technologies that enable devices to offer converged services on the go to the mobile consumer. “A paradigm shift in India’s communications services revolution is underway, with voice calls becoming virtually free while new revenue streams are generated from value added services. These developments are creating opportunities for technology vendors, software and services providers across the globe,” observed Mr. Prem Behl, Chairman, Exhibitions India Group – organizers of the 18th Convergence India 2010.

The session on VAS and Mobitainment outlined the opportunities in the emerging revenue stream. PathPartner Tech released its Android 2.0 powered mediaphone featuring high quality HD, voice call, Voice over IP, Social Media, Internet Radio, Games and other applications for a rich experience in voice, video communications, entertainment and media

The transition from analogue to digital has also set the stage for a full transformation of India’s media and pay TV market. NDS, leading provider of digital pay TV solutions showcased a range of tailored solutions for Indian pay-TV operators looking to make a transition to digital.