Is there a time set for making NavIC support mandatory?
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, said all phones must use NavIC by December 2025. Apple’s new iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max already use NavIC.
The minister also said NavIC must be used along with other navigation systems like GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, etc. Some other companies, like Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and OnePlus, also use NavIC in some of their phones.
What is NavIC?
NavIC is a satellite navigation system that ISRO has developed. Earlier, it was called the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). NavIC was developed to improve India’s navigation capabilities. The system has seven satellites; the first was launched in 2013. The satellites communicate with several ground stations.
This technology is useful for the Indian military and the citizens. Right now, NavIC covers India and 1,500 kilometres outside its borders. NavIC's usage is currently limited, but it's good that companies like Apple are starting to use it on their phones.
Soon, more smart devices will use NavIC. You can learn more about NavIC in this article.
How important is NavIC for India?
This technology can be used for many things, like helping with transportation, checking on resources, surveying an area, scientific research, disaster management, etc. One big reason for developing NavIC was to ensure India doesn’t depend on navigation systems controlled by other countries.
During the Kargil War in 1999, the USA didn't let India use GPS. This made it hard for the Indian military to locate the Pakistani army positions. If India had its own navigation system back then, winning the war would have been easier.
So, if a country has its own navigation system, it can improve national security, provide better disaster management, and show technological advancement.
