NewsStocksCOAI raises concerns over direct-to-mobile tech test by Prasar Bharati without engaging telcosCOAI raises concerns over direct-to-mobile tech test by Prasar Bharati without engaging telcos
COAI has raised serious concerns over Prasar Bharati's direct-to-mobile broadcast service technology test conducted without telecom operator involvement. The test, performed by IIT Kanpur with Tejas Networks and published in November 2025, refuted interference concerns but faced criticism for lack of transparency and stakeholder participation. COAI argues that D2M broadcasting impacts 5G spectrum bands and demands comprehensive re-evaluation with all affected parties involved.
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The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has raised serious concerns over a direct-to-mobile (D2M) broadcast service technology test commissioned by public broadcaster Prasar Bharati without involving telecom operators and mobile device companies. The industry body criticized the process on January 5, stating it falls short of the transparent and consultative framework envisaged by the government.
The direct-to-mobile broadcast service technology, if successful, will enable direct transmission of live TV channels on mobile phones without cellular connectivity. This capability has significant implications for the telecom industry, particularly regarding spectrum usage and network coexistence.
Test Details and Methodology
Prasar Bharati had signed a pact with IIT Kanpur in 2019 to technically verify concerns regarding interference of D2M broadcast service with telecom services and heating of mobile devices. The comprehensive evaluation aimed to address stakeholder concerns about the technology's impact on existing infrastructure.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Testing Institution | IIT Kanpur |
| Implementation Partner | Telecom Engineering Centre |
| Technology Partner | Aracion Technology |
| Equipment Provider | Tejas Networks (Tata Group) |
| Test Report Publication | November 2025 |
| Test Outcome | Refuted stakeholder concerns |
The test report, published in November 2025, refuted the concerns raised by some stakeholders regarding interference and device heating issues.
Industry Concerns and Objections
COAI expressed disappointment with the testing methodology, emphasizing that telecom operators were excluded from the process despite their networks and spectrum resources being directly impacted. The industry body highlighted several critical issues with the evaluation approach.
Telecom players have claimed that D2M broadcasting has direct implications for spectrum bands identified for existing and future 5G use. They maintain that any assessment undertaken without active involvement of telecom service providers and relevant regulators risks overlooking coexistence challenges, interference risks, and long-term spectrum planning considerations critical to India's connectivity roadmap.
Key concerns raised by COAI include:
- Lack of transparency in the testing process
- Absence of telecom operator participation
- Exclusion of device ecosystem partners
- Failure to share Terms of Reference (ToR) with stakeholders prior to testing
- Focus on only one technology standard without assessing comparable solutions
Technology Neutrality and Stakeholder Participation
A key concern raised by COAI is that the evaluation focused on only one technology standard, without assessing other comparable and globally relevant solutions, such as cellular-based broadcast technologies. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had directed during a stakeholder meeting in September 2025 that a comprehensive technical evaluation of D2M be undertaken with clearly defined Terms of Reference, participation of all relevant stakeholders, and inclusion of all parallel technology options.
COAI Director General SP Kochhar emphasized that D2M broadcasting has far-reaching implications for spectrum, networks, devices, and consumer safety. "Any national-level technical evaluation of such a technology must be transparent, inclusive and technology-neutral, with active participation of all affected stakeholders," Kochhar stated.
Industry Recommendations
The industry body has called for comprehensive reforms in the D2M evaluation process to ensure fair and objective assessment. COAI has requested re-conducting the technical evaluation with stakeholder-finalized terms of reference and technology-neutral evaluation of all relevant D2M options.
COAI's specific recommendations include:
- Re-conducting technical evaluation with comprehensive terms of reference
- Ensuring evaluation of all relevant D2M technology options in a technology-neutral manner
- Involving telecom operators, device manufacturers, chipset vendors, regulators, and accredited laboratories
- Undertaking structured public consultation through the Department of Telecom and TRAI
- Developing standards and performance benchmarks through an open consultative process led by Telecommunications Engineering Centre
The industry body emphasized that policy decisions of this magnitude must be grounded in comprehensive technical assessments to safeguard network integrity, efficient spectrum use, and long-term digital growth. Query sent to Prasar Bharati elicited no immediate reply on the matter.
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