Prasar Bharati has published the official test and measurement report examining concerns around interference and mobile device heating during the operation of Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcast technologies in the 470–582 MHz band.

The report aims to clarify issues raised by industry stakeholders about whether D2M transmissions could disrupt telecom networks or cause abnormal thermal load on handsets.

According to Prasar Bharati, the tests were commissioned after the broadcaster received repeated queries over possible interference effects and device heating behaviour linked to D2M services. The public broadcaster has noted in its notification that these concerns surfaced during consultations following early trials. Prasar Bharati had signed an MoU with IIT Kanpur in 2019 to jointly build a roadmap for next-generation digital terrestrial broadcasting, and the latest exercise forms part of that ongoing collaboration.

IIT Kanpur had earlier conducted a small-scale Proof of Concept (PoC) on D2M next-generation broadcasting in Bengaluru along with its technology partner, followed by a hybrid PoC in Delhi involving both High Power High Tower (HPHT) and Low Power Low Tower (LPLT) systems. The Delhi trial used the Pitampura TV transmitter as the HPHT site, supported by LPLT nodes deployed across Kartavya Path.

As apprehensions grew among some stakeholders particularly regarding whether D2M services might interfere with telecom signals operating in adjacent bands or whether continuous reception might trigger unusual heating in mobile devices Prasar Bharati held multiple rounds of discussions before asking IIT Kanpur to carry out structured, laboratory-grade tests. The broadcaster said the objective was to secure a scientific, measurable understanding of the interference profile and thermal behaviour associated with available D2M technologies in the 470–582 MHz range.

IIT Kanpur arranged for the test measurements and demonstrations of an ATSC 3.0-based D2M Broadcast Radio Head (BRH) at M/s Aracion Technology Private Limited, Bengaluru—a Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC)-recognised laboratory. The tests were conducted on 14 November 2025 using the ATSC-based D2M BRH model YOGA40W01.

The evaluation covered the full Terms of Reference issued by Prasar Bharati, including verification of any interference impact on telecom networks operating nearby and observation of thermal conditions on mobile devices while receiving D2M broadcast signals. While the detailed findings have been uploaded for public access, the broadcaster noted that the study provides a formal technical assessment aimed at addressing the concerns raised. The report does not list any instances of harmful interference or abnormal heating during the controlled tests but focuses on measurement parameters, methodologies and compliance observations.

Prasar Bharati said the results will inform ongoing industry deliberations with telecom operators, device manufacturers, equipment suppliers and regulatory bodies as India explores broader adoption of D2M broadcasting. The organisation added that the initiative reflects its commitment to developing spectrum-efficient and consumer-safe broadcast technologies in partnership with national research institutions.