Whalesbook
COAI's Stance on D2M Testing
The Cellular Operators' Association of India (COAI) has voiced strong objections to recent direct-to-mobile (D2M) broadcast service technology tests commissioned by public broadcaster Prasar Bharati. COAI states the process failed to adhere to a transparent, consultative, and technology-neutral framework. The technology aims to enable direct live TV channel transmission on mobile phones without cellular connectivity.
Prasar Bharati had previously signed a pact with IIT Kanpur in 2019 to verify technical concerns. Tests involving Tata group firm Tejas Networks and a D2M smartphone were conducted, with a report published in November 2025 refuting initial worries. However, COAI expressed surprise, noting that the industry was not involved in this specific report's conduct, despite their prior participation in earlier stakeholder discussions.
Spectrum and 5G Worries
Telecom players are particularly concerned about D2M broadcasting's implications for spectrum bands identified for existing and future 5G use. COAI maintains that any assessment conducted without active involvement from telecom service providers and relevant regulators risks overlooking critical coexistence challenges and interference risks. These considerations are vital for India's connectivity roadmap and efficient spectrum planning.
The industry body highlighted that the current approach to D2M tests raises serious questions about procedural fairness and objectivity. The absence of telecom operators, whose networks and spectrum resources are directly impacted, and device original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), undermines the credibility of any conclusions drawn. COAI Director General SP Kochhar emphasized D2M's far-reaching implications for spectrum, networks, devices, and consumer safety, advocating for transparent, inclusive, and technology-neutral evaluations.
Call for an Inclusive Approach
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) had earlier directed a comprehensive technical evaluation with clearly defined Terms of Reference (ToR), inclusive stakeholder participation, and consideration of all parallel technology options. A key concern for COAI is that the evaluation focused on a single technology standard, neglecting comparable cellular-based broadcast solutions.
COAI has called for re-conducting the technical evaluation with a comprehensive, stakeholder-finalised terms of reference. They insist on evaluating all relevant D2M technology options in a technology-neutral manner, ensuring the involvement of telecom operators, device manufacturers, chipset vendors, regulators, and accredited laboratories at all stages. The association also proposed structured public consultation via the Department of Telecom and TRAI.