Samsung, Qualcomm, Ericsson and Nokia joined hands in opposing a potential Indian government policy which mandates installing smartphones with hardware to pick up TV signals.
India is mulling whether to force smartphone manufacturers to equip a so-called ATSC 3.0 technology which enables precise geo-locating of TV signals and produces high picture quality, without the need for mobile signal.
The prominent telecom players sent a joint letter to the government, arguing the policy it would push up the prices of smartphones by US$30 and disrupt current manufacturing plans, reported Reuters.
They also added that direct to mobile broadcasting can degrade battery performance and mobile signal reception. "We do not find any merit in progressing discussion on the adoption of this," the letter read, reported Reuters.
Lobbying group the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), which represents Apple and Xiaomi among many, opposed the Indian government’s plan in a private letter last month pointing out no vendor supports ASTC 3.0.
The pushback is the latest in India’s smartphone sector, recently companies pushed back against government plans to make phones compatible with a home grown navigation system, and enforcing security testing for mobile phones.
