“Launch of a pilot is the first step because there are challenges. While the technology is there, and it can be adopted, but in a device, you require a certain chip or attachment. To see how that adoption takes place, pilots will be required, Apurva Chandra, secretary, ministry of information & broadcasting, said.
Telecom Operators: As per the telcos, if the spectrum is auctioned, it will allow them to utilise the airwaves flexibly within the networks for IMT and broadcasting services. "This will help in ensuring optimal utilisation of this precious spectrum for IMT and leveraging broadcasting capabilities to save bandwidth on the network. This will provide a seamless experience to customers who use smartphones for both video consumption and other data-based services," COAI said.
Indian mobile phone operators are urging the government to auction spectrum for direct-to-mobile (D2M) services in a technology-neutral manner. The government is exploring a proposal to deliver broadcasting or TV content directly to mobile phones without a data connection and is considering reserving 526-582 MHz spectrum for D2M services.