Telecom operators body calls for re-evaluation of D2M tech policy

The government’s draft policy on the proposed Direct to Mobile (D2M) technology requires a major rethink to establish a level playing field and ensure it does not become a source of regulatory arbitrage, the telecom operator body Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) said on Wednesday. Currently being debated, D2M will allow multimedia content to be transmitted to smartphones without requiring an active internet connection.

Representing the three private telecom service providers (TSPs) – Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea – COAI has said spectrum allocation, network integration, and regulatory and cost arbitrage for D2M need to be re-evaluated.