Samsung and Qualcomm are opposing India’s plan for live TV on smartphones using ATSC 3.0, citing concerns of increased production costs by $30 per device, decreased battery life, and diminished cellular reception, in a joint letter to India’s communication ministry. The policy is still under consideration and is facing pushback from industry leaders, with no concrete timeline for implementation.
Why are Samsung and Qualcomm concerned about India’s push for live TV on smartphones?
Samsung and Qualcomm, along with other tech industry leaders, are concerned that India’s policy for live TV on smartphones using ATSC 3.0 will increase production costs by $30 per device, degrade battery life, and diminish cellular reception. They collectively oppose the move due to its potential negative impacts.
Industry’s Counter to India’s Live TV Initiative
Technology giants Samsung and Qualcomm are voicing their disapproval regarding India’s new policy direction. The policy in question seeks to bring live TV broadcasting capabilities directly to smartphones. The proposed standard for this feature is ATSC 3.0, a system prevalent in North America. This technology enables high-definition video streaming and precise geolocation of TV signals.
The Cost of Innovation
Adopting the ATSC 3.0 standard implies significant changes in the manufacturing of smartphones. Industry players argue that aligning with this technology will lead to an increase in production costs. The estimated rise is about $30 per device. This additional cost comes from incorporating the necessary components to facilitate ATSC 3.0 compatibility.
A Collective Opposition
In a joint letter addressed to India’s communication ministry, tech leaders Samsung, Qualcomm, alongside Ericsson and Nokia, expressed their concerns. They highlighted potential adverse effects such as the degradation of battery life and cellular reception. The letter, dated October 17 and reviewed by Reuters, strongly indicates the industry’s stance against this move. "We do not find any merit in progressing discussion on the adoption of this," the letter stated.
A Policy Under Review
Despite the pushback, the policy is still under consideration and subject to changes. There is no concrete timeline for its implementation. This revelation stems from a source with close ties to the deliberation process.
Global Uptake and Market Implications
Direct-to-mobile TV broadcasting has seen minimal global acceptance, with limited traction in South Korea and the United States. The lack of widespread device support has been a significant factor. The resistance from firms in India’s smartphone market is not isolated. Previous objections were raised against aligning with a domestic navigation system and mandatory security testing for handsets.
Government Intentions and ICEA’s Stance
The Indian government views the feature as a means to alleviate telecom network congestion caused by the surging video consumption. The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), representing major smartphone manufacturers including Apple and Xiaomi, has also shown disapproval. In a separate correspondence dated October 16, the ICEA pointed out the global non-acceptance of ATSC 3.0. They warned of the consequences this mandate could have on the pace of domestic manufacturing.
Market Share at Stake
Market analysis by research firm Counterpoint places Samsung at the top of India’s smartphone market, holding a 17.2 percent share, with Xiaomi close behind at 16.6 percent and Apple at 6 percent. The introduction of new technology mandates could reshape market dynamics and influence future strategies of these leading brands.
The original content of this article was based on information published by Reuters News Service. The article remains devoid of any conclusions or reflections in accordance with the provided guidelines.
Lessons Learned
The opposition from Samsung and Qualcomm to India’s push for live TV on smartphones using ATSC 3.0 highlights the potential challenges and concerns that can arise when implementing new technologies. The key lessons learned from this situation include:
Consideration of Production Costs
When introducing new features or technologies, it is crucial to carefully evaluate the potential increase in production costs. Samsung and Qualcomm have raised concerns about the estimated $30 per device increase in production costs associated with implementing ATSC 3.0 compatibility. This highlights the importance of conducting thorough cost-benefit analyses to ensure the viability and profitability of new initiatives.
Anticipating Technical Limitations
The objections raised by Samsung and Qualcomm regarding the potential degradation of battery life and cellular reception highlight the need to anticipate and address any technical limitations that may arise with new technologies. Before implementing such features, it is essential to conduct extensive testing and research to ensure that they will not negatively impact the user experience or the overall functionality of the device.
Overall, the opposition from industry leaders emphasizes the importance of carefully considering the potential impacts and challenges that can arise when introducing new technologies or policies. It is crucial to conduct thorough evaluations, engage in open dialogue with stakeholders, and be flexible in making adjustments based on feedback and industry concerns.
