Now, global-position NavIC as a go-to GPS
Apple has set the ball rolling by supporting India's homegrown global positioning system (GPS), NavIC (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System). GoI hopes to persuade other mobile handset-makers to incorporate the positioning system that uses a clutch of indigenous satellites to cover an area of 1,500 km beyond India's borders. Apple is leading the way in showcasing Indian technological capability to a wider audience.
Much like Google is championing UPI in other countries. NavIC has limited coverage against GPS developed by the US, EU, Russia and China. However, it is interoperable with all of them.
Since mobile handset-makers will have to integrate it at the processor level, this will bump up costs, but not by much. US semiconductor MNC Qualcomm has been supporting NavIC in a select line of smartphone chips since 2019.
Commercialising NavIC through smartphone use helps develop an indigenous strategic technological initiative. It also makes it easier to amplify its coverage as a GPS.
In addition, it helps rope in the private sector, which GoI is nudging into a bigger role in commercial space technologies handed down by Isro. NavIC adds to the India stack that is supporting a wide array of commercial applications. The navigation system does not fall into the category of public-funded digital infrastructure the government is willing to share freely with other countries.
Yet, it is a vital component of technological innovation that is improving governance delivery.
GoI is also in a better position to address privacy concerns by setting up the backbone on which digital commerce is flowing. India is manoeuvring the technology landscape well by making compelling business cases of indigenous capability. UPI has an advantage
