IT secy asks mobile manufacturers to look beyond handsets

IT Secretary Ajay Prakash Sawhney today asked mobile phone makers to tap their competitive edge and explore manufacturing new-age technology devices.
"We are entering into an era of rapid growth of disruptive and exciting technologies which do not exist at present. Companies making mobile phones should look beyond just making handsets.
"Those who are making mobile phones have all the ingredients to explore new-age technology," Sawhney said at an event of mobile manufacturers organised by industry body Indian Cellular Association.
Sawhney said that companies should look at addressing problems with the help of technology.
"We get weak wi-fi signals. Companies can look at addressing this pain area and it will come out as a technology for the world," he said.

There are around 105 companies that are making mobile phones and their parts in India.
Indian Cellular Association's National President Pankaj Mohindroo said a company has shown interest in making lithium ion batteries in India and they are in advanced discussions with a state government to start the manufacturing plant.
"Besides manufacturing for India market, we will also need to look at exporting devices if we have to meet target of 500 million mobile devices manufacturing in India by 2019," Mohindroo said.