If successful, the direct-to-mobile broadcast service technology would allow live TV channels to be transmitted directly to mobile phones without needing cellular connectivity.
In 2019, Prasar Bharati signed an agreement with IIT Kanpur to technically address concerns about interference from the direct-to-mobile (D2M) broadcast service on telecom services and potential overheating of mobile devices caused by the D2M operation.
The IIT Kanpur test was conducted through the Telecom Engineering Centre, with authorized technology partner Aracion Technology, involving Tata group firm Tejas Networks and a D2M smartphone. The test report, released in November 2025, dismissed concerns highlighted by several stakeholders.
“COAI has serious reservations about the execution of recent technical tests relating to Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting in India, arguing that the procedures lack the transparency, consultation, and technology-neutral foundation envisioned by the government,” stated the industry body.
Inquiries sent to Prasar Bharati received no immediate response.
Telecom companies assert that D2M broadcasting directly affects spectrum bands designated for existing and future 5G applications.
The industry stresses that evaluations conducted without the active engagement of telecom service providers and pertinent regulators risk neglecting challenges of coexistence, interference risks, and long-term spectrum planning crucial to India’s connectivity strategy.
Also read: Telcos seek reduction of fees and customs, also ask the government to impose a USOF levy on popular apps
COAI mentioned that the body, along with its member operators, actively took part in subsequent stakeholder discussions, providing detailed technical input aimed at ensuring a comprehensive, credible, and India-specific evaluation of D2M.
“However, the telecom industry was unexpectedly taken aback by the later publication of a technical test report conducted without the involvement of telecom service providers, device ecosystem partners, and without sharing the Terms of Reference used for this technical test with all stakeholders before the tests took place,” COAI announced.
The industry body highlighted that the approach taken to conduct the recent D2M tests raises significant issues regarding transparency, procedural fairness, and objectivity.
“The lack of stakeholder participation—especially telecom operators, who are directly affected in terms of networks and spectrum resources, as well as device OEMs—compromises the credibility of any conclusions drawn from such an assessment,” it added.
COAI Director General SP Kochhar noted that D2M broadcasting has significant implications for spectrum, networks, devices, and consumer safety.
“Any national-level technical evaluation of this technology should be transparent, inclusive, and technology-neutral, ensuring active participation from all affected stakeholders. COAI firmly believes that policy decisions of this significance must be based on comprehensive technical assessments to protect network integrity, enable efficient spectrum use, and foster long-term digital growth,” Kochhar remarked.
Also read: Google vs Startups: Telcos body accuses tech giants of bias against Indian firms
COAI asserted that D2M broadcasting represents a technological advancement with substantial implications for spectrum utilization, telecom networks, device ecosystems, and consumer safety.
During a stakeholder meeting in September 2025, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) instructed that a comprehensive technical evaluation of D2M be performed, detailing clearly defined Terms of Reference (ToR), absorbing all relevant stakeholders, and considering all parallel technology options.
One major concern raised by COAI is that the evaluation focused solely on one technology standard, neglecting to assess other comparable global solutions, like cellular-based broadcast technologies.
“The industry has consistently maintained that any national-level assessment of D2M must be technology-neutral, facilitating fair and objective comparisons among all viable options on facets such as coexistence with IMT/5G networks, scalability, device impacts, and long-term spectrum efficiency,” COAI emphasized.
The industry body has advocated for redoing the technical evaluation with a thoroughly detailed and stakeholder-approved terms of reference, ensuring consideration of all relevant D2M technology alternatives in a technology-neutral fashion, and involving telecom operators, device manufacturers, chipset vendors, regulators, and accredited laboratories throughout every stage of the evaluation process.
Additionally, it has called for a structured public consultation through the Department of Telecom and Trai, along with the development of standards, performance benchmarks, and more via an open consultative process overseen by the state-owned Telecommunications Engineering Centre.
