The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), representing major telecom service providers, has issued a strong critique against the ongoing trials for direct-to-mobile (D2M) broadcasting technology. The industry body has flagged a severe lack of transparency and unilateral decision-making in the process, raising concerns about potential interference with existing mobile networks and the future of the telecom sector.
Secretive Trials and Industry Concerns
According to the COAI, the trials for D2M broadcasting are being conducted without proper consultation with licensed telecom operators. The association highlighted that its members were not informed about the specific locations, technical parameters, or the equipment being used for these tests. This secrecy, COAI argues, prevents a fair assessment of the technology's impact on existing cellular services that use the same spectrum bands.
The core of the dispute lies in the planned use of spectrum. D2M technology aims to broadcast content directly to smartphones, similar to television signals, without consuming mobile data. Proponents, including Prasar Bharati and IIT Kanpur, are exploring this. However, COAI contends that using spectrum in the 526-582 MHz band for D2M could cause harmful interference with existing mobile services, especially those using adjacent bands for uplink communication.
Potential for Market Disruption and Redundancy
The telecom lobby has presented a multi-faceted argument against the rushed implementation of D2M. A primary concern is the significant financial investment made by operators in acquiring spectrum and building networks. The introduction of a competing service using a similar resource could undermine these investments and destabilize the market.
Furthermore, COAI questions the very necessity of D2M technology in today's market. They point out that the stated goals of D2M—such as disseminating emergency alerts, educational content, and public service broadcasting—are already being effectively met through existing mobile broadband networks. The association suggests that efforts should instead focus on enhancing broadband penetration and affordability, rather than creating a parallel, potentially disruptive system.
Calls for Consultation and Clarity
In its communication, the COAI has urgently called for a transparent and collaborative approach. The association demands that the government and testing agencies involve telecom operators in the trial process to jointly evaluate interference risks and technical feasibility. They emphasize that any policy decision must be based on a comprehensive techno-economic analysis, considering the health of the entire digital communications ecosystem.
The outcome of this debate has significant implications. On one side is the promise of a new broadcast medium for mass communication. On the other is the integrity of India's world-class mobile broadband infrastructure, which serves hundreds of millions. The lack of dialogue, as highlighted by COAI, risks making a pivotal decision in the dark, with potential consequences for both consumers and the economy.
