The Indian government is considering a policy to mandate equipping smartphones with hardware to receive live TV signals without the need for cellular networks. This proposal has faced opposition from companies like Samsung and Qualcomm, who argue that the required hardware changes will increase the cost of devices by $30 (nearly Rs. 2,500), as stated in letters reviewed by Reuters. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the impact on battery performance and cellular reception. This article will examine the challenges of implementing live TV broadcasts on smartphones in India and the potential consequences for the smartphone industry.
In a joint letter to India’s communication ministry, Samsung, Qualcomm, and telecom gear makers Ericsson and Nokia expressed their reservations about the proposal. They argued that their existing smartphones in India are not equipped to work with the ATSC 3.0 technology, which is popular in North America. Incorporating compatibility with ATSC 3.0 would require additional components, increasing the cost of each device by $30. Furthermore, they pointed out that the inclusion of direct-to-mobile broadcasting could potentially degrade battery performance and cellular reception. The companies emphasized that they did not see any merit in pursuing the adoption of this technology.
One of the main concerns raised by the companies opposing the policy is its potential effect on existing manufacturing plans. Implementing the changes necessary for live TV broadcasts on smartphones could disrupt the production of current smartphone models. The addition of new components and modifications to the hardware could lead to delays in production and potentially impact the availability of smartphones in the market.
The pushback against the proposal also highlights the limited adoption of digital broadcast of TV channels on smartphones in countries like South Korea and the United States. Executives in the industry attribute this lack of traction to the absence of devices that support the technology. Without sufficient demand and compatible devices, the implementation of live TV broadcasts on smartphones may not produce the desired outcomes.
The opposition to this policy is part of a growing trend of resistance from companies operating in India’s smartphone sector. In recent months, there have been objections to other government proposals as well, such as making phones compatible with a home-grown navigation system and mandating security testing for handsets. This resistance suggests that smartphone manufacturers are concerned about the potential disruptions and costs associated with implementing these policies.
For the Indian government, the inclusion of live TV broadcast features on smartphones is seen as a way to alleviate congestion on telecom networks caused by the increasing demand for video consumption. By enabling users to access TV channels directly on their smartphones, the government aims to reduce the strain on cellular networks. However, the opposition from major smartphone manufacturers and the lack of widespread adoption of this technology raise doubts about the effectiveness of this approach.
The proposal to bring live TV broadcasts to smartphones in India faces significant challenges. Major companies like Samsung and Qualcomm argue that the required hardware changes will increase the cost of devices and disrupt existing manufacturing plans. There are also concerns about battery performance and cellular reception. Furthermore, the limited adoption of digital broadcast technology on smartphones in other countries raises doubts about the feasibility of implementing this policy in India. As the government deliberates on this proposal, it will need to consider the perspectives of all stakeholders involved and weigh the potential benefits against the challenges posed to the smartphone industry.