Convergence & Broadcasting (C&B) Division

Work Responsibilities:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Broadcasting
• Convergence
• Distributed Ledger Technology/ Blockchain
• Emerging Technologies
• National Working Group 9

TEC invites R&D Organisations and Academia for collaboration in “Trustworthy AI”. Please Explore the draft MoU(Memorandum of Understanding) for partnership in building Trustworthy AI.

1. Artificial Intelligence:

Background:

Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) applications are increasingly being used in all domains. Unintended biases in their predictions or outcomes is a big concern. One important requirement of Responsible AI is that the AI/ ML System should be unbiased or fair. In achieving the objective of Government of India of building public trust in AI/ ML Systems (#AIforAll), TEC has initiated Fairness Assessment of AI/ ML Systems on Voluntary basis. Continuing the progress, C&B Division released the New Standard(No. TEC 57050:2023) as on  dated 07-07-2023. For more details “Click here”.

Released Documents:

Work in Progress

Development of Standard for Assessing and Rating Robustness of Artificial Intelligence Systems in Telecom Networks and Digital Infrastructure:-

To build public trust in AI/ ML Systems, Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) is in the process of developing Standard for Assessing and Rating Robustness of Artificial Intelligence Systems in Telecom Networks and Digital Infrastructure. Accordingly, TEC floated a questionnaire on the subject on 16-10-2023. During the follow-up communications with the stakeholders, it was suggested that a Working Group (WG), comprising domain experts from industry, academia, research organizations, and Government, may be constituted to prepare the initial draft of the proposed Standard. Subsequently, a Working Group has been constituted for preparing the initial draft of the proposed Standard for AI Robustness. For more details click here.

2. Middleware for delivering content to portable devices through WiFi or WLAN:

Background:

TEC releases Standard for receiving live television and other audiovisual content to portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets through WLAN/ WiFi without consuming internet/ mobile data. No extra hardware, software, or app required at the user end. No special phone or chip-set required. The proposed middleware extends the live TV signals broadcast through conventional means of DTH/ DTT/ CATV, and on-demand content to ordinary mobile devices through WLAN/ WiFi interface. TEC Standard will enhance access to television especially in rural areas, public utility places, moving vehicles, etc. Broadcast access will be cost-effective for end-users and will not load mobile networks. It can be deployed along with BharatNet WiFi and also in airports, railway stations, shopping malls, stadiums, trains, buses, etc.

Released Documents:

3. Conditional Access System (CAS) and Subscriber Management System (SMS):

Background:

• TRAI has designated TEC as the Testing and Certification Agency for Conditional Access System (CAS) and Subscriber Management System (SMS) used for Broadcasting and Cable TV services as per order dated 20-09-2021. Convergence & Broadcasting Division is the Nodal Division in TEC for the work related to CAS and SMS testing and certification.
• M/s S.P.Chopra & Co., M/s Saffo Solution Technology LLP, M/s Altruist Technologies Pvt Ltd and M/s Salka Global Technologies Pvt Ltd designated for testing of CAS and SMS.
• C&B Division had issued the Test Guides for CAS & SMS, prepared after detailed stakeholder consultations.
• C&B Division organised an Open House Session on 04-08-2022 with Labs, Multiple system operators (MSO), Broadcasters, TRAI, BIS, concerned Government departments and other stakeholders for consultation and discussion on finalisation of process for accreditation of Labs and setting of Labs for testing of CAS and SMS.
• C&B Division floated Expression of Interest (EOI) on 24-06-2022 for accreditation of Labs for testing of CAS & SMS.
• For more details, Click here

Released Documents:

Other documents and links:

• New requirement for CAS/SMS Certification process - reg
• CAS/SMS Flowchart for fresh application 
• Records of Discussion of Open House Session held on 04.08.2022 for discussion on accreditation of Labs for testing of CAS & SMS. 
• TEC invites proposal for accreditation of Labs for testing of CAS & SMS. 
• Previous drafts of Test Schedule & Test Procedures for consulations: TSTP draft for CAS dated 25-03-2022, TSTP draft for SMS dated 25-03-2022, TSTP draft dated 11-01-2022, TSTP draft for CAS & SMS dated 27-12-2021, TEC letter dated 27-09-2021 seeking comments on TSTP for CAS & SMS. 
• TRAI Notification dated 20-09-2021 designating TEC as testing & certifying agency for CAS & SMS. 
• TRAI Notification - The Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2021 dated 11-06-2021. 
• TRAI Consultation Paper On Framework for Technical Compliance of Conditional Access System (CAS) and Subscriber Management Systems (SMS) for Broadcasting & Cable Services 22nd April 2020. 
• ITU-T J.1036 Factual subscriber-base reporting and protected content delivery in conditional access system – Requirements ITU-T Recommendation Jul 2023
• ITU-T J.1036 – Factual subscriber-base reporting and protected content delivery in conditional access system – Test methods ITU-T Supplement Nov 2023
• TR.FSR Factual subscriber-base reporting and protected content delivery in a conditional access system (CAS) ITU-T Technical Report May 2023

4. Broadcasting:

Background:

• C&B Division is nodal for framing the Generic Requirements (GR)/ Interface Requirements (IR)/ Service Requirements (SR)/ Standards (SD)/ Essential Requirements (ER) and associated Test Schedule & Testing Procedures (TSTP) for Convergence & Broadcasting products/ services. These include Standards on voice, video and data IP applications over cable TV networks (IPCablecom); interactive cable television service; high-speed data services; IP-based television and video-on-demand distribution (IPTV service), next-generation cable modems, interactive content formats, common application programming interfaces (APIs) for broadcasting services, methods for evaluating audio-visual quality, home network, and Internet Protocol (IP) broadcasting.
• C&B Division released the Essential Requirements (ER) for Hybrid Set-top Boxes on 01-07-2022.
• C&B Division released the New Standard (No. TEC 57030:2022) for Generic Requirements of "Band Pass Filter for C-Band Satellite Earth Receivers in 3700-4200 MHz Guard Band" on 04-08-2022 to address possible interference from 5G to the satellite earth receivers used for DTH television broadcasting by MSOs, etc.

Released Documents:

Other documents and links:

• Inputs received for Draft Essential Requirements of Hybrid Set Top Box - agenda for the online meeting held on 06-04-2022. 
• Draft Essential Requirements (ER) for Hybrid Set-top Boxes issued for public consultations on 17-03-2022. 
• Record of Discussions- Open House Session on Role of Standard Setting organization for Broadcasting Sector in India. 

  Work in Progress

1.    Draft for GR on Hybrid Set-Top Box (STB) with support for Ultra High Definition (UHD) and Virtual Reality (VR) capabilities-

      The C & B Division in is process to formulate a new standard (GR) on Hybrid Set-Top Box (STB) with support for Ultra High Definition (UHD) and Virtual Reality (VR) capabilities. So, issued initial draft GR to stakeholders for  comments.  This standard outlines the important technical aspects such as UHD video rendering, immersive audio, low latency, advanced user interfaces, and virtual reality experience. These technical specifications aim to enhance the user experience, enabling viewers to enjoy UHD content while seamlessly transitioning into the immersive realms of VR and creating a new dimension in home entertainment.

2.    Draft of Technical report on “Television Broadcasting to Mobile Handheld Devices - Direct to Mobile (D2M) Broadcasting”

       Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), New Delhi is working on publishing a technical report on “Television Broadcasting to Mobile Handheld Devices - Direct to Mobile (D2M) Broadcasting” bringing out the features, deployment status, technology maturity, etc., of different technologies. The aim is to create general awareness amongst the stakeholders/ policymakers on this emerging technology landscape. Latest draft is available here.

5. National Working Group-9:

Background:

• National Working Group 9 (NWG 9) is a group formed in TEC corresponding to ITU Study Group 9 (SG 9) for submitting the Indian contributions to International Telecommunication Union. Its primary function is to submit Indian contributions to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) concerning the use of telecommunication systems in the distribution of advanced television and sound programs. This includes support for features like ultra-high definition and 3D TV. NWG 9's scope also covers the utilization of cable and hybrid networks, initially designed for home-based television and sound program distribution, as integrated broadband networks. These integrated networks enable the provision of interactive voice, video, and data services, including Internet access. For more details “Click here”
• National Working Group 9 (NWG 9) is under the distinguished leadership of Mr. Avinash Agarwal, Deputy Director General (Convergence & Broadcasting) at TEC, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), New Delhi. The group's vice-chair is Dr. Pradipta Biswas, an esteemed Associate Professor at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.    

Other Documents and Links:

• TEC letter dated 25-02-2022 regarding Reconstitution of NWG-9 (National Working Group 9) corresponding to ITU-T Study Group 9 “Broadband Cable and TV”.
• National Working Group-9 reconstituted under chairmanship of DDG (C&B) TEC. Please visit NWG-9 page for details.

6. Standard Coordination Portal :

• TEC has developed a Standards Coordination Portal (SCP) with the primary objective of increasing India's involvement in global standardization activities. This portal acts as a platform for sharing information and promoting collaboration in the telecom and related ICT domains. It brings together Indian experts from various sectors, including industry, academia, research institutes, government, and others. For more details “Click here”.
• The portal facilitates Indian contributions to different Global Standardization Organizations and Standards Development Organizations (SDOs). Currently, it is associated with National Working / Study Groups (NWGs/NSGs/SGs) corresponding to ITU-T/ITU-R/ITU-D Study Groups, and is being expanded to other Global Standardization Organizations such as IEEE, 3GPP, etc.
•  The portal is designed to be modular, responsive, user-friendly, and configurable to accommodate multiple Standardization Organizations. Registered members and contributors can access information from all National Groups through this portal. They can also upload and revise their contributions and view/download contributions from other members. In essence, the portal acts as a knowledge repository and a collaboration platform for standardization activities.

7. Other Activities:

• TEC Website development and maintenance.
• New portals development and integration.