The most awaited event at IIT Kharagpur has started, and Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai spoke some progressive things in the digital world and accessibility towards technology for India.
He praised India for its firm foundation and flexible business building platforms. Pichai addressed about Google’s initiatives in front of 3500 students and teachers at his alma matter IIT Kharagpur.
“I would love to see cheaper smartphones, entry-level smartphones. I think really we need to bring the prices down, even more, maybe at USD 30 level (which means Rs 2,000) for India for entry-level smartphones,” he said.
Earlier in 2014, Google launched its devices that were priced at Rs 6,399, however, the devices didn’t reach a lot of people as other smartphones hit the market with better specifications. Its Android One programme, partnering with handset makers, to launch high-quality, yet affordable Android devices for consumers in emerging markets like India. A few handsets were launched with partners like Micromax, Karbonn and Spice.
Presently one can purchase a smartphone with a minimum required specifications at Rs 3000 or more.
Pichai said that Google is trying its best to be able to roll out many programmes for Digital India through “effective public-private partnerships”. He cited examples like the partnership with RailTel for offering wi-fi services at railway stations and with NPCI for digitising payments.
He further complimented India’s growth stating that he is pretty confident about India being a global player in the digital economy very soon.