Why is the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) or NAVIC Not Widely Used?

The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, also known as IRNSS or NAVIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), was designed to provide accurate positioning services to users in India and the surrounding region. Despite its operational launch in 2016, its public adoption has faced several challenges. In this article, we explore the main reasons behind this limited public use and the ongoing efforts to promote its widespread adoption.

Receiver Availability

One of the primary reasons for limited public use of NAVIC is the lack of NAVIC-compatible devices. The global market is currently dominated by devices that primarily support other global systems such as GPS. Smartphone and navigation device manufacturers have been notably slow in incorporating NAVIC receivers. This lack of compatibility means that many consumers are unable to access NAVIC’s services, limiting its public appeal.

While it is expected that this situation will improve in the coming months, as premium smartphones start to support NAVIC, it is important to note that not all communication devices will automatically work with NAVIC. The band in which NAVIC operates requires a different antenna and associated hardware. Therefore, users who want to take advantage of NAVIC need to ensure their devices are compatible.

Awareness and Adoption

Another significant challenge facing NAVIC is public awareness and adoption. Many users are unfamiliar with the system and its capabilities. Limited public awareness campaigns and a lack of educational resources about the benefits of using NAVIC have contributed to this limited adoption. Efforts are being made to address this by increasing public awareness and educating users about the advantages of NAVIC.

Interoperability

Although NAVIC is designed to work alongside other global navigation systems, users may prefer the more established GPS system due to its widespread compatibility and reliability. The GPS system’s global presence and established track record make it a preferred choice for many users, even though NAVIC offers enhanced accuracy and reliability for users in India and the surrounding region.

Development Focus

The initial focus of NAVIC was on providing services for specific applications such as maritime, aviation, and disaster management. This focus was primarily due to the limited integration and infrastructure challenges. While these applications are crucial, they did not provide the widespread public use that could have led to greater consumer adoption.

Regulatory and Technical Challenges

There may also be regulatory hurdles and technical challenges in integrating NAVIC into existing infrastructure. These challenges can lead to delays in its broader application. Efforts are ongoing to address these challenges and facilitate the integration of NAVIC into the existing infrastructure, making it more accessible and reliable for all users.

As of my last update in August 2023, various initiatives are underway to promote NAVIC and encourage manufacturers to include its capabilities in consumer devices. One effective way to ensure that your devices are NAVIC-compatible is to choose devices that are AIS 140 certified. AIS 140 certification mandates that devices support NAVIC, ensuring that users can take advantage of this advanced navigation system.