Government Prepares D2M Rollout: Watch TV on Mobile Without Internet

You may soon be able to watch live TV on your phone without needing the internet or a mobile network. Public broadcaster Prasar Bharati is expected to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the commercial rollout of Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting technology.

According to a report by a famous publication, Prasar Bharati is likely to issue the RFP next month, marking the next step in moving from D2M technology trials to a wider rollout, although the exact timeline remains unclear. The plan has reportedly gained momentum after technology validation trials-using equipment developed by Tejas Networks-passed the government review.

D2M broadcasting allows users to stream live TV and audio, as well as receive breaking news and emergency alerts on their mobile phones, without the need for a mobile network connection.

What is Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting?

D2M technology does not rely on the mobile network typically used for calls or the internet. Instead, it operates similarly to FM radio on a smartphone, where a receiver picks up radio frequencies.

This technology is commonly used to send emergency alerts to citizens. However, a commercial rollout could allow users to receive live news, sports, and other multimedia content. D2M technology can be useful in areas with poor internet connectivity.

Since it does not rely on a mobile network, there is no need to consume data from one's mobile plan. Furthermore, D2M technology has the potential to reduce the load on mobile data networks. However, the report notes that private telecommunications operators have expressed concerns about D2M technology, as it could impact their business operations. Studies commissioned by Prasar Bharati and conducted by IIT Kanpur determined that D2M broadcasting in the 470–582 MHz band causes neither harmful interference to cellular networks nor abnormal smartphone overheating.

Prasar Bharati, in collaboration with IIT Kanpur and Saankhya Labs-a company now part of Tejas Networks-has been conducting D2M trials in over 19 cities. Previous proof-of-concept demonstrations in Delhi and Bengaluru had already shown the feasibility of transmitting multimedia content directly to mobile devices. An EY report has recommended adopting a public-private partnership model and establishing a long-term commercial framework for nationwide deployment.

Large-scale deployment still faces obstacles related to hardware and infrastructure. According to IIT Kanpur’s 2022 roadmap document, most currently available mobile devices are incompatible with D2M technology, as it requires the ATSC 3.0 standard. Such technology would necessitate a standalone baseband processing unit, in addition to an antenna, low-noise amplifiers, baseband filters, and a receiver. The current network configuration is also not equipped for large-scale D2M transmission and would require a denser network of terrestrial towers.

The government has also presented D2M technology as a potential solution to gaps in television access. Official estimates indicate that, out of approximately 280 million households in India, nearly 190 million have access to television services, leaving around 90 million without such access. Given the country's extensive mobile device base, the Request for Proposal (RFP) could help bridge this gap.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kahekashan

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Kahekashan is a passionate technophile with a keen eye for cutting-edge gadgets, emerging technologies, and everything in the digital realm. Raised in a Defence family with strong values and a background in literature, she has consistently pursued excellence in every endeavour. Her last full-time assignment involved content writing with the Indian School of Business.

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