Fears that TV broadcasts will be disrupted with the advent of 5G; Reliance extends deal with Future Group

 

Fears that TV broadcasts will be disrupted with the advent of 5G; Reliance extends deal with Future Group

The Indian Broadcasting Federation (IBF), an organization of TV broadcasters in the country, has warned that television broadcasts will be disrupted if TV channels allow existing spectrum telecom companies to use 5G services. 

 

The IBF has informed the Cabinet Secretary, the CEO of the Justice Commission, the Secretaries of Dot and IB and the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Information and Technology. 

 

According to the IBF, the government is also considering bands beyond 4,000 MHz for 5G broadcasting to the telecom sector. It was initially rumored that the 3,400 MHz - 3,800 MHz band would be considered for 5G. However, it is hoped that this change will create problems for TV broadcasting.

TV broadcasters use the 3,700 MHz - 4,200 MHz band. The government has licensed more than 600 satellite channels in the country to operate under the band. But now the channels fear that they may be evacuated to make way for 5G. 

 

The letter to the authorities states that the TV channels have been operating under this band for decades. They are requesting the government to intervene in the matter. The new move is expected to completely remove the broadcasting sector from the band. 

 

Satellite channels and 5G cannot work in this band at the same time. They have informed the concerned that if 5G is allowed for this band as well, their services will face serious problems.