Micromax has predicted that 2016 will be the year of large screen devices and videos. The company's study also predicts that 3G and 2G users will continue to co-exist over the next few years in India, even after the introduction of 4G in the country. It notes, “the auction of LTE (4G) centric spectrum in 2016 could make 4G to play a crucial role in building Digital India.” The study states that the wider availability of data networks, coupled with content personalisation and large screens, will make smartphones the preferred source for video consumption this year.
In addition, Micromax says that mobile-led services across multiple sectors such as entertainment, travel, healthcare and banking will become more common. It also anticipates the mobile internet ecosystem to surpass 150-200 million smartphones users. However, the simplification through relevant services and availability of these services in various Indian languages will be key to this growth.
The study also showed that the entry of Chinese and Indian brands into the mobile manufacturing market would be key for new business models to emerge. The models would ensure unit level profitability. However, it noted that it may become difficult for Chinese companies to enter and flourish in India if Goods and Service Tax (GST) is passed.
Despite Micromax’s study showing that 3G and 2G users will co-exist over the next few years, the company may be planning to discontinue 2G services in the country. According to a report by the Times of India, Micromax and Samsung are planning to discontinue 2G devices in order to focus more on 3G and 4G phones in India. There are already a number of 4G-capable devices being sold in the country, and telecom operators are beginning to offer 4G networks in the country. Airtel has already launched its 4G services across India while Reliance Jio and Vodafone will be launching their 4G services soon. Vodafone has already launched its 4G services in Kerala in December, with Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru among the list to get Vodafone's 4G connectivity. Meanwhile, Reliance Jio launched its 4G services for its employees on December 27.
Source: IANS