The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) , has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL) to jointly develop standards in broadcasting and convergence technologies. The agreement, signed in New Delhi, brings together two government technical bodies to work on areas including Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting, 5G Broadcast, and Digital Rights Management (DRM) systems. This partnership supports the government’s Digital India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives by promoting India-specific standards and indigenous technology development.
What Is the MoU About?
The MoU establishes a formal framework for TEC and BECIL to conduct joint research, technical studies, and standardisation activities in advanced broadcasting and convergence technologies. The two organisations will work together on developing India-specific standards and testing frameworks, studying international standards, and contributing to global standardisation bodies.
The agreement was signed by Devendra Singh, Deputy Director General of TEC, and Ramit Lala, Deputy General Manager (Projects) of BECIL, in the presence of Syed Tausif Abbas, Senior Deputy Director General and Head of TEC.
Under the partnership, TEC and BECIL will also provide technical inputs on matters referred by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) , the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) , and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) . This will help policymakers receive expert recommendations on emerging communication technologies.
Key Focus Areas of Collaboration
The collaboration covers a wide range of technologies that sit at the intersection of broadcasting and telecommunications.
| Technology Area | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) | Broadcasting TV and multimedia content directly to mobile phones without an internet connection |
| 5G Broadcast | Using 5G network infrastructure to broadcast content to many users simultaneously |
| Digital Rights Management (DRM) | Systems to protect digital content on IPTV and other distribution platforms |
| Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB) | Next-generation digital radio broadcasting technologies |
| Conditional Access Systems (CAS) | Systems used by TV service providers to control access to paid content |
| Subscriber Management Systems (SMS) | Billing and customer management systems for television distributors |
The partnership will also explore future technologies such as Further evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (FeMBMS) , AI-enabled broadcasting interfaces, and accessibility solutions aimed at improving digital inclusion.
A key objective of the MoU is to strengthen India’s participation in international standard-setting bodies. TEC and BECIL will make joint technical contributions to organisations such as the International Telecommunication Union’s Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) , Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) , and the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) . This will help India shape global standards rather than merely adopting them.
Understanding TEC and BECIL
Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC)
TEC is the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Government of India. Headquartered in New Delhi, it has regional centres in Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bangalore. TEC is responsible for drawing up standards, generic requirements, interface requirements, and specifications for telecom products, services, and networks in India.
It administers the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) scheme, which ensures that all telecom equipment deployed in India meets safety, electromagnetic compatibility, security, and interoperability standards. TEC represents India in international forums such as ITU-T and ITU-R and coordinates National Working Groups for global standardisation activities.
Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL)
BECIL is a Mini Ratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It was incorporated on March 24, 1995, and its entire equity is held by the President of India through the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
The company provides project consultancy services and turnkey solutions in radio and television broadcast engineering, including content production facilities, terrestrial transmission, and satellite and cable broadcasting. Over the years, BECIL has diversified into ICT, electronic surveillance, cyber security, smart city projects, and e-governance initiatives. It is ISO 9001:2015, ISO 27001:2013, and CMMI L3 certified.
Why This MoU Matters
The convergence of broadcasting and telecommunications is a global trend. Traditionally, television broadcast and mobile telecom operated on separate networks, but technologies such as D2M and 5G Broadcast are blurring that line.
Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) technology is particularly significant for India. With over 800 million smartphone users and limited TV reach, D2M can deliver live television and video content directly to phones without consuming mobile data. This could be transformative for education, public service announcements, emergency alerts, and entertainment in areas with poor internet connectivity.
5G Broadcast uses the existing 5G network to transmit content to unlimited users simultaneously without network congestion. This is useful for live events, sports, and breaking news where millions of users may want to watch the same stream at the same time.
By developing India-specific standards rather than importing foreign ones, this partnership supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. Indian conditions such as diverse geography, varying spectrum availability, and cost sensitivity require tailored solutions that global standards may not fully address.
The Way Forward
The MoU positions India to shape global discussions on broadcast-broadband convergence rather than remaining a passive adopter of foreign standards. As D2M pilots progress in over 19 cities using Prasar Bharati infrastructure, the technical groundwork laid by TEC and BECIL will be crucial for commercial rollout.
With NITI Aayog member Abhay Karandikar recently highlighting D2M’s potential to harmonise cellular and broadcasting spectrum, the timing of this collaboration aligns with India’s broader push toward a converged digital communications framework. The joint contributions to ITU and 3GPP will also help Indian researchers and startups align their innovations with global benchmarks.
Key Takeaways
- The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) , the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications, signed an MoU with BECIL to jointly develop standards in broadcasting and convergence technologies.
- The collaboration will focus on Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting, 5G Broadcast, Digital Rights Management (DRM) , and Conditional Access Systems (CAS) .
- TEC, headquartered in New Delhi, is responsible for formulating telecom standards in India and administers the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) scheme.
- BECIL is a Mini Ratna Category-I CPSE under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, established in 1995.
- The partnership aims to strengthen India’s contributions to global standardisation bodies including ITU-T, ITU-R, and 3GPP.
- D2M technology can deliver television content to mobile phones without an internet connection, potentially benefiting over 800 million smartphone users in India.
