Using Direct-to-Mobile technology, the Indian government is ready to deliver internet-free video streaming. In India, on-demand movies and TV shows streaming along with live TV have become much more mainstream than a few years ago.
The majority of users, however, either miss out on these benefits entirely or are reliant on poor internet connectivity. By using the new D2M service, viewers can stream live TV and other multimedia content without requiring an internet connection or even a SIM card.
According to the Economic Times, the government plans to pilot this service in 19 cities.
In addition to Prasar Bharti’s infrastructure, D2M will partner with IIT Kanpur and Bengaluru-based Saankhya Labs for the pilot. Emergency alerts and disaster management are already being delivered using the technology.
This will be the first time D2M will be used for internet-free content streaming, which has its own set of challenges. It is for this reason that the government is launching a pilot program first.
To support D2M, mobile devices will require specific hardware components. There are no plans for the government to force mobile device makers to include the required components in their products.
In the future, this may change, as it did with the integration of the NaVIC chip. In the report, device makers estimate that the implementation of the D2M chip will increase the price of smartphones by at least USD 30 (~Rs 2,500). Parag Naik, MD and CEO of Saankhya Labs says if sufficient devices are available, the chip cost will be between Rs 120 and Rs 200.
All about D2M service:
Using Direct-to-Mobile (D2M), content can be delivered directly to mobile devices. For D2M broadcasting, there is no need for internet connectivity or SIM cards. It’s similar to listening to FM radio on your smartphone or watching live TV at home using direct-to-home (DTH) technology.
To receive D2M broadcasts, mobile devices will need certain hardware components. Millions of users will benefit if the pilot is successful and implemented on a larger scale. Streaming live TV and on-demand content won’t require internet connectivity or data plans.
