India: Google links Android phones' success to price

Google said on Thursday the success of its Android platform in India would be determined by the accessibility and affordability of the mobile handsets in the country.

"A lot would depend on the affordability and accessibility of the handsets. We would eventually like to see a wide spectrum of pricing and functionality with the Android-powered handsets," Google India head (products) Vinay Goel told PTI.

He added that handsets in the price range of Rs 10,000-15,000 would do well.

Asked if Google was working with the handset makers like HTC and Samsung, who have announced plans to introduce Android handsets in the country, Goel said, "We act as catalysts. It is up to the OEMs to determine the pricing and functions of the product."

Android is an open-source operating system for mobiles and wireless devices, initially developed by Google, which allows developers to design applications independent of the handset type.

Google has a library of about 6,300 paid and free applications ranging from simple media players to location-based services.

The search major is bullish on mobile Internet in India. "We have seen a significant rise in mobile internet traffic. And we expect more people to access the Internet through their phones than PC because of the huge penetration compared to desktops," Goel said.

He added that this has been possible as data-enabled phones have become cheaper along with the reduction in prices of data plans.