India to adopt USB-C type as common charging port for all smart devices
India plans to adopt USB-C type as a popular charging port for smart devices. Recently, the government held extensive consultations with stakeholders to standardize charging ports for all compatible smart devices. Consumer Minister Rohit Kumar Singh made the announcement at an inter-ministerial task force meeting. USB-C is an industry standard connector that transfers data and power over a single cable. The USB-C connector was developed by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF). USB-IF has over 700 member companies, including Apple, Dell, HP, Intel, Microsoft and Samsung.
This means consumers no longer need a separate charger for each new device they purchase. All parties agreed at a government task force meeting to adopt USB Type-C as the standard charger for all phones. The government is also pushing common chargers for phones, tablets, laptops and other portable devices.
The government is in extensive talks to move to two standard chargers, one for all compatible devices and one for low-cost feature phones. Universal chargers for mobile devices not only make things easier for consumers, they also reduce the large amount of e-waste generated in the country.According to her ASSOCHAM-EY report entitled “E-Waste Management in India,” India will generate an estimated 5 million tonnes of e-waste in her 2021, second only to China and the United States. “During the conference, there was broad consensus among stakeholders to adopt USB Type-C as a charging port for electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops. Adopting a charging port was also considered,” said Singh. “Globally, the shift is toward USB-C ports, so it makes sense to introduce them. Things will come out tomorrow,” said Ajay Garg, member of the Indian Electronics Industry Association.
