COAI Identifies Shortcomings in India’s Direct-to-Mobile Testing, Calls for Comprehensive Review

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has expressed significant concerns regarding the recent technical tests conducted for Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting. The association criticized the evaluation process as lacking inclusivity and transparency, which contradicts the government’s earlier commitments. D2M technology, which enables direct content broadcasting to mobile devices without relying on traditional internet or mobile data networks, has implications for spectrum usage, telecom networks, and consumer safety, prompting the need for a thorough assessment.

Concerns Over Evaluation Process

COAI has called for a reevaluation of the technical assessment of D2M broadcasting, emphasizing the need for a process that aligns with principles discussed in September 2025. The association insists that the terms of reference for the evaluation should be finalized in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including telecom operators, device manufacturers, chipset vendors, regulators, and accredited laboratories. This collaborative approach is essential to ensure that the evaluation is comprehensive and technology-neutral.

The association also advocates for a structured public consultation led by the Department of Telecommunications or the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Furthermore, COAI stresses the importance of developing standards and performance benchmarks through an open process managed by the Telecom Engineering Centre. This structured approach aims to foster transparency and inclusivity in the evaluation of D2M technology.

Exclusion of Key Stakeholders

At a stakeholder meeting in September 2025, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) emphasized that any technical assessment of D2M should be thorough and involve all relevant parties. However, COAI noted that the subsequent test report was released without the participation of telecom service providers, undermining the credibility of the findings. The association highlighted that the terms of reference for these tests were not shared with stakeholders beforehand, raising further concerns about the evaluation’s integrity.

Lt Gen Dr. S.P. Kochhar, Director General of COAI, remarked on the far-reaching implications of D2M broadcasting for spectrum management, network functionality, and consumer safety. He stressed that any national-level technical evaluation must be transparent and inclusive, ensuring the active participation of all affected stakeholders. The exclusion of telecom operators and device manufacturers from the testing process has led to questions about the reliability of the results.

Limited Scope of Testing

COAI has also pointed out that the scope of the tests appeared to be quite narrow. While the evaluation reportedly focused on issues such as interference and device heating, it failed to address several critical factors. These include device certification, compliance with electromagnetic field (EMF) regulations, licensing requirements, real-world usage conditions, and the readiness of the current device and chipset ecosystem in India for D2M technology.

Moreover, the testing methodology did not adequately reflect India’s specific spectrum allocations and network deployment conditions. This oversight makes the results less applicable to actual operations within the country. The association argues that a more comprehensive evaluation is necessary to ensure that the findings are relevant and beneficial for the Indian telecom landscape.

Concerns About Technology Neutrality

Another major issue raised by COAI is the lack of technology neutrality in the evaluation process. The tests focused solely on one technology standard, neglecting to assess other globally recognized alternatives, such as cellular-based broadcast technologies. COAI warns that this narrow focus could lead to predetermined outcomes and unintended consequences for India’s digital and telecom ecosystem.

The telecom industry has also raised alarms about the potential impact of D2M broadcasting on spectrum bands designated for current and future 5G and mobile services. Without the active involvement of telecom operators and regulators, critical issues such as interference risks, coexistence with existing networks, and long-term spectrum planning may be overlooked. The association emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to ensure the successful integration of D2M technology into India’s telecommunications framework.

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