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COAI Demands Transparent D2M Tech Evaluation for Fair Digital Growth

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has urged authorities to ensure a transparent and inclusive technical evaluation process for Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting. The industry body expressed serious concerns that recent tests lacked stakeholder participation and procedural fairness. COAI Director General Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar emphasized that policy decisions must be based on comprehensive technical assessments. The association argues the tests were too narrow, excluding critical aspects like device certification and ecosystem readiness.

Key Points: COAI Urges Transparent, Inclusive D2M Broadcasting Evaluation

  • Calls for transparent D2M evaluation
  • Raises concerns over stakeholder exclusion
  • Highlights narrow test parameters
  • Stresses need for tech-neutral approach
2 min read

COAI urges transparent, inclusive evaluation of D2M broadcasting

COAI calls for transparent, tech-neutral D2M broadcasting tests, citing concerns over stakeholder exclusion and narrow evaluation scope.

"Any national-level technical evaluation of such a technology must be transparent, inclusive and technology-neutral - Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar"

New Delhi, Jan 5

The Cellular Operators Association of India on Monday said that it has urged the authorities to ensure a transparent, consultative and technology-neutral approach in the conduct of technical evaluations related to Direct-to-Mobile broadcasting in India.

The industry body noted that the recent technical tests, as carried out, do not fully align with the framework envisaged by the Government and called for a more inclusive and comprehensive evaluation process.

Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, Director General, COAI stated, "Direct-to-Mobile 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.

"COAI firmly believes 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," he added.

Recognising its potential impact, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) during a stakeholder meeting held in September 2025, directed that a comprehensive technical evaluation of D2M be undertaken with clearly defined Terms of Reference (ToR), participation of all relevant stakeholders and inclusion of all parallel technology options, as per the cellular association.

The cellular association noted that the approach adopted in conducting the recent D2M tests raises serious concerns regarding transparency, procedural fairness and objectivity.

The absence of stakeholder participation -- particularly telecom operators, whose networks and spectrum resources are directly impacted, as well as device OEMs -- undermines the credibility of conclusions drawn from such an exercise.

The industry has further highlighted that the scope of the tests appears narrowly confined to a limited set of parameters, such as interference and device heating, while excluding several critical technical and ecosystem-related aspects.

These include device certification requirements, electromagnetic field (EMF) compliance, regulatory and licensing implications, real-world usage scenarios, and the readiness of the device and chipset ecosystem.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is a crucial step for Digital India. But if telecom operators and phone makers are not consulted properly, it could lead to major issues later. Hope the authorities listen and ensure a fair process.
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Rohit P
Interesting tech. Direct-to-mobile broadcasting could be a game-changer for emergency alerts and rural areas with poor data connectivity. But the concerns about device heating and network interference are very real. Need proper testing.
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Sarah B
While I appreciate the push for innovation, I have to respectfully disagree with the COAI's framing here. Sometimes, initial tests need to be narrow to prove core concepts before wider consultation. The process seems to be following a logical sequence.
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Karthik V
Spectrum is a national resource. Any decision must ensure its most efficient use for the benefit of all citizens, not just one industry. A transparent, multi-stakeholder approach is the only way forward. Good move by COAI to highlight this.
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Nisha Z
As a consumer, my main worry is my phone's battery life and safety. If this D2M tech causes heating or needs a special chip, will my current phone become obsolete? These evaluations must answer practical questions for people like us.

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