Indian telcos call for rerun of direct-to-mobile broadcast trials

Indian mobile operators have pushed back against recent direct-to-mobile (D2M) broadcast trials, saying the process sidelined key stakeholders and lacked transparency. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), which represents major telcos, has written to the government arguing that the tests favored specific technologies and did not properly account for the impact on existing mobile networks.

The operators want new, technology-neutral trials that include full participation from mobile carriers, equipment makers and other affected parties. They also say any move toward D2M services must address spectrum use, possible interference with mobile services and long-term commercial viability before regulators consider wider rollout.