PCS Guru

What’s Happening?

• The Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is considering a requirement for all devices to support India’s own Navigation System called NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation).
• This decision coincides with the recent integration of NavIC into the hardware of the newly launched Apple iPhone 15, a system developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It’s worth noting that NavIC is not meant to replace other global navigation systems but rather work alongside them.

The Government’s Plans for NavIC on Smartphones:

• The Indian government is contemplating making NavIC integration mandatory in all smartphones sold within India by the year 2025. This initiative will particularly target 5G phones.
• To incentivize manufacturers, they may receive additional benefits through Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for utilizing chips that support NavIC technology. This strategy aims to promote domestic chip design and production.

The Roadmap and Future Prospects for NavIC Adoption:

• To boost the adoption of NavIC, ISRO launched second-generation Navigation satellites in May 2023. These satellites will enhance compatibility with other satellite-based navigation systems and expand the technology’s utilization.
• They will transmit signals in a third frequency, L1, alongside the existing L5 and S frequency signals. The L1 frequency is commonly used in the Global Positioning System (GPS), broadening NavIC’s use in wearable devices and personal trackers equipped with low-power, single-frequency chips. This strategic move aligns with India’s goal of achieving technological self-reliance and becoming a prominent space-faring nation.

What is Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)?

• NavIC is an autonomous navigation satellite system created by ISRO, becoming operational in 2018.
• It delivers precise real-time positioning and timing services across India and an area extending approximately 1500 km around the Indian Mainland.
• NavIC comprises a constellation of 7 satellites and a network of continuously operating ground stations.
• Of the eight satellites, seven are active, with three in geostationary orbit and four in geosynchronous orbit.
• The International Maritime Organization (IMO) recognized NavIC as part of the World-Wide Radio Navigation System (WWRNS) for use in the Indian Ocean Region in 2020.

Potential Uses of NavIC:

• NavIC serves a variety of purposes, including-
• Terrestrial, aerial, and marine navigation
• Disaster management
• Vehicle tracking, and fleet management (especially for the mining and transportation sectors)
• Integration with mobile phones, precise timing (for ATMs and power grids), and
• Mapping and geodetic data collection.

The Significance of Integrating NavIC in Smartphones for India:

1. Strategic Technological Autonomy
   • NavIC reduces reliance on foreign global navigation systems like GPS, demonstrating India’s capacity to independently develop and deploy critical technology.
   • This ensures that the nation has control over its essential navigation infrastructure, crucial for national security and defense applications.

2. Enhanced Accuracy and Reliability:
   • NavIC provides highly accurate and reliable positioning and timing information, particularly in the Indian subcontinent and surrounding regions.
   • Improved accuracy is vital for applications ranging from disaster management and agriculture to urban planning and transportation, enhancing overall efficiency and decision-making.
3. Tailored Solutions for Indian Terrain:
   • NavIC is designed to offer superior performance in India’s diverse geographical and topographical conditions, addressing limitations of conventional global navigation systems.
   • Tailoring the navigation system to suit India’s unique landscape ensures more precise and efficient location-based services.
4. Broadening Use Cases and Innovation:
   • NavIC’s integration opens doors for a wide range of location-based services, navigation apps, and innovative solutions customized to local needs and preferences.
   • This stimulates entrepreneurship, supports a thriving app development ecosystem, and encourages creativity and innovation in technology.