India is becoming increasingly more mobile as we step into 2015. Despite a slow start in mobility uptake, India has leap-frogged the mobility technology race and adopted newer technologies much quicker than expected. As also recently reported in the media, the telecom department plans to take mobile network by December 2016 to nearly 10% of Indian villages that are still unconnected and make the government’s ambitious Digital India programme more pervasive.
Of the 6, 00,000 villages in the country, about 55,000 are still awaiting connectivity. Under the R1.13 lakh crore mega Digital India initiative, the government aims to connect every nook and corner of the country with broadband Internet and deliver services electronically through mobile phones.
The Indian mobile market is growing at an exponential pace and our smartphone market has become the third-largest in the world. India added 6.8 million mobile telephone subscribers in the first quarter of 2014. As smartphones become affordable, India will overtake the US as the second largest user base by 2016 (US based research firm e-marketer) and there will be 200 million of projected smartphone users in India by then. Going forward in 2015, the rising smartphone sales and cheap data plans will unleash a new wave of connected Indians who increasingly use mobile as primary source for accessing content and e-commerce.
We believe in the year ahead, industry will witness the following major trends:
Penetration of smartphones in Indian hinterland: The smartphone penetration in India is around 10% and considering that there are millions of consumers who are keen to upgrade to a smartphone and experience the exciting world of Internet and apps, the smartphone segment will see an exponential growth in the near future. The value conscious Indian buyer will seek devices which meets their requirement of best-in-class technology products. The surge in aspirations of youth in small towns and tier II cities, will lead to a greater number of first time smartphones buyers.
Large screen devices: Consumers in India now increasingly demand aesthetically pleasing products which conform to their idea of great value—wider screens, thinner and lighter, stunning displays with long-lasting battery life and a great entertainment experience. Large screen devices, apart from being a communications device for personal and professional use, have undergone a metamorphosis in their usage. Devices are not just personal any more. They are used by families, children play games on them and teenagers store their entire music libraries on them.
Surge of wearable devices: Wearable technology is expected to go mainstream and play a key part in 2015. Designed by keeping the convenience and style in mind, wearable devices will seamlessly integrate in everyday consumer lives. The functionality and ease of usage provided by wearable technology will extend their application from health to entertainment space, leading to new app development and ecosystem growth.
It is fairly evident that wearable technology is here to stay and is only getting bigger with each passing day. The next generation of wearable devices will have usage extending from health to entertainment space, leading to new app development and ecosystem growth. Samsung is the global leader in smart watch category with its industry-leading Gear portfolio, which includes five incredible devices available in India— Gear S, Galaxy Gear Fit, Galaxy Gear, Galaxy Gear 2 and Galaxy Gear 2 Neo that blend style, fitness and convenience to provide ultimate connectivity for the active mobile consumer.
Extensive service network: With the growing base of smartphone users in India, manufacturers will also focus on providing delightful after-sales service to the consumers. Samsung is ahead on service curve and has created the biggest service network in consumer electronics industry in India. The 2,800 service touch points, which are supported by a network of nearly 50 parts warehouses and 4 world-class training academies.
We hope to optimise these incredible opportunities in the growing Indian market and set global benchmarks in offering the leading-edge technology and superior products to our discerning consumers.
Wish you all a prosperous New Year and look forward to a connected India.
By Asim Warsi
Vice-president, Mobile & IT, Samsung India
