In a significant development for mobile users, Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting trials are on the horizon, allowing users to stream videos without the need for a SIM card or internet connection. Information and Broadcasting Secretary Apurva Chandra revealed the imminent trials of the indigenous D2M technology in 19 cities, advocating for the reservation of the 470-582 MHz spectrum to support this groundbreaking technology.
Chandra emphasized the potential of D2M technology to alleviate congestion on 5G networks, with a projected 25-30% shift of video traffic. This shift is expected to accelerate the nation’s digital evolution, democratizing content delivery and unlocking new possibilities for mobile streaming. Pilot projects for D2M technology were conducted last year in Bengaluru, Kartavya Path, and Noida.
The Information and Broadcasting Secretary highlighted that D2M could benefit nearly 8-9 crore TV Dark homes across the country, reaching households that currently lack television sets. With 80 crore smartphones in the country and 69% of content accessed in video format, D2M technology has the potential to reshape the way content is delivered to mobile users.
Chandra underscored the challenges posed by heavy video usage, leading to network congestion and buffering issues. Developed by Saankhya Labs and IIT Kanpur, D2M broadcasting leverages terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure and public broadcaster-assigned spectrum to transmit video, audio, and data signals directly to compatible mobile and smart devices.
The adoption of D2M technology holds transformative benefits, including cost reductions in data transmission and access, improvements in network efficiency and resilience, and the possibility of establishing a nationwide emergency alert system, potentially reaching over a billion mobile devices.
