Samsung and Qualcomm Challenge India’s Live TV in Smartphones Plan
Samsung has raised objections to the Indian government’s initiative that would require smartphones to come equipped with live TV capability. India is in the process of considering a policy that would make the ATSC 3.0 feature, also referred to as NextGenTV, a standard requirement for all mobile phones sold within its borders. Despite this consideration, mobile manufacturers like Samsung are pushing back, arguing that such a mandate would necessitate additional hardware and consequently drive up the cost of smartphones.
Cost Implications for Mobile TV Feature
Documentation obtained by Reuters reveals that incorporating live TV functionality into smartphones could introduce an extra cost of around $30 per device. ATSC 3.0 technology, predominantly utilized in the United States for television sets, provides high-definition broadcast TV signals, even in 4K resolution, and enables precise geographical targeting of these signals. The Indian government’s vision is to adapt this technology for use in mobile phones.
Industry Pushback on the ATSC 3.0 Mandate
Industry leaders like Samsung have expressed concerns that the ATSC 3.0 requirement will interfere with their current production strategies. The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), which represents major smartphone companies including Apple and Xiaomi, has also rejected the government’s proposal. In a letter from October 16, they mentioned that no significant global phone brand has shown support for integrating ATSC 3.0 in their devices.
Concerns Over Battery Life and Network Reception
In a collective letter to India’s communications ministry, major tech entities such as Ericsson, Nokia, Qualcomm, and Samsung have cautioned that adding the TV broadcast feature could negatively impact both battery performance and cell network reception in mobile phones. They noted that the uptake of live TV broadcasting to mobile devices has been minimal in countries like South Korea and the US, where the necessary technology is not widely available. However, it is a common feature in Japan.
Government Deliberation and Other Proposals
The Indian government is currently reviewing the proposal, and a definitive timeline for its potential adoption has not been established. This policy is one among several recent initiatives by the Indian government aimed at enhancing the capabilities of mobile devices sold in the country, including a mandate for compatibility with India’s indigenous navigation system, NavIC, and another proposal requiring security testing for all mobile phones.
