In the ever-evolving landscape of smartphone technology, a clash is brewing between major players as Samsung and Qualcomm express discontent over India’s ambitious plan to mandate live TV reception on smartphones. The bone of contention lies in the proposed hardware changes that could potentially inflate a device’s cost by $30, a move that has prompted these tech giants to voice their concerns, as revealed in letters reviewed by Reuters.
As India contemplates a groundbreaking policy to equip smartphones with hardware for direct live TV reception, global tech giants Samsung and Qualcomm, alongside telecom equipment leaders Ericsson and Nokia, are pushing back against the adoption of the ATSC 3.0 technology. This clash raises questions not only about the feasibility of the proposed policy but also about the potential impact on device costs, manufacturing plans, and user experience.
Concerns and Opposition: The heart of the opposition lies in the argument that existing smartphones in India are ill-equipped to support ATSC 3.0, leading to an estimated $30 increase in device costs. In a joint letter to India’s communication ministry, the four companies highlighted concerns about battery performance degradation and adverse effects on cellular reception, stating that the adoption of this technology lacks merit.
Global Standpoint: Digital broadcast of TV channels on smartphones, a feature that has seen limited adoption in countries like South Korea and the United States, faces resistance due to a lack of widespread device support. As companies in India grapple with this proposed policy, their concerns echo similar pushbacks against previous governmental initiatives, signaling a broader tension between industry players and regulatory mandates.
Industry Response: The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), representing major smartphone manufacturers including Apple and Xiaomi, has privately opposed the move, emphasizing that no major handset maker globally currently supports ATSC 3.0. The association’s letter, dated October 16, warns that the inclusion of unproven and globally unaccepted technology may disrupt the momentum of domestic manufacturing.
The clash between industry giants and regulatory mandates continues in India’s smartphone sector. As the government seeks innovative solutions to alleviate network congestion caused by increased video consumption, the live TV broadcast policy faces strong opposition. The outcome of this battle will not only impact the trajectory of smartphone manufacturing but also shape the future of technological adoption in the world’s second-largest smartphone market.
