Introduction
In a recent announcement, Mr. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology unveiled the Government of India’s intention to make the use of Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) mandatory in all smartphones that are launched in India. NavIC is a domestic Global Positioning System (GPS) developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) with a constellation of seven satellites and ground stations.
What led to this development?
Tech giant Apple.Inc has chosen NavIC as an option for GPS in iPhone 15 for use in the Indian Oceanic region, marking NavIC’s integration into consumer devices.
Furthermore, the government plans to incorporate NavIC integration as part of the IT Hardware Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. The PLI scheme is an initiative introduced on 24th February, 2021 by the Indian government to promote domestic manufacturing and boost the production of specific goods and products. Under this scheme, eligible manufacturers receive financial incentives or subsidies based on their production volume and value, provided they meet certain pre-defined criteria and benchmarks.
Why NavIC support being made mandatory?
The decision to make NavIC support mandatory for all hardware and devices serves several key purposes:
- Promotion of Indigenous Technology: This Showcases India’s capabilities in satellite navigation and positioning through its homegrown GPS system developed by ISRO;
- Enhanced National Security: It reduces dependence on foreign GPS systems that could be compromised during conflicts or crisis, thus bolstering national security; and
- Stimulation of Economic Growth: Encouraging the use of NavIC-powered chipsets creates opportunities for Indian companies and fosters job creation.
What are the implications of the implementation of NavIC?
The implementation of NavIC brings several noteworthy implications:
- Dual Frequencies for Enhances Accuracy: NavIC uses two frequencies instead of one- the L5(1176.45 MHz) and S band (2492.028 MHz). This improves the accuracy by enabling the receivers on the satellites to correct any atmospheric errors through simultaneous use of two frequencies.
- Interoperability: NavIC signals are designed to be interoperable with other global navigation satellite systems like GPS, Glonass, Galileo, and BeiDou, enabling users to benefit from a wider range of satellite signals for improved accuracy and reliability.
- Potential increase in Smartphone Prices: Smartphone manufacturers assert that additional expenses are associated with this decision, potentially leading to a rise in the average selling price of smartphones.
How to remain NavIC compliant as a phone manufacturer?
To ensure NavIC compliance, minor modifications will be necessary at the chipset and hardware levels. Smartphone manufacturers in India must choose processors compatible with NavIC to access its advantages.
Conclusion
Overall, the government’s decision to make NavIC mandatory in smartphones is a pivotal step forward in advancing localisation efforts and ensure that this indigenous GPS system becomes a standard feature in various electronic products, further strengthening the electronics ecosystem in India.