TEC signs MoU with BECIL to boost telecom–broadcast convergence and standards development

The Telecommunication Engineering Centre, the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL) to collaborate on standardization, research, and innovation in convergence and broadcasting technologies.

BECIL, a Mini Ratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), will work with TEC to undertake joint studies, develop India-specific standards, and contribute to global standardization frameworks.

The partnership aims to strengthen national capabilities in telecom–broadcast convergence while supporting flagship initiatives such as Digital India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

The MoU was signed in New Delhi by Devendra Singh, Deputy Director General, TEC, and Ramit Lala, Deputy General Manager (Projects), BECIL, in the presence of Syed Tausif Abbas, Senior DDG and Head, TEC.

Focus areas

The collaboration will cover a wide range of emerging and strategic technology domains, including:

• Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) and 5G Broadcast: Joint studies and technical contributions to enable next-generation content delivery.
• Digital Rights Management (DRM): Development of frameworks for IPTV and other digital distribution platforms.
• Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB): Research into advanced digital radio technologies.
• Conditional Access System (CAS) and Subscriber Management System (SMS): Enhancing systems for television distribution.
• Future Technologies: Exploration of FeMBMS, AI-enabled broadcast services, accessibility solutions, and intelligent user interfaces.

The two organisations will also engage in need-based technical consultations for DoT, MIB, and TRAI, providing expert inputs on policy and regulatory matters.

Global alignment and indigenous focus
The partnership is expected to enhance India’s participation in international standardization bodies such as ITU-T, ITU-R, and 3GPP through joint technical contributions.

It will also accelerate the development of indigenous standards and testing frameworks, strengthening India’s position in next-generation broadcasting and converged communication technologies.

CT Bureau