Govt is set to commercially launch Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) technology. Prasar Bharati may issue RFP next month.
Tejas Networks devices have cleared govt review.D2M works like FM radio – broadcast signals in 470-582 MHz band go directly to phone via special receiver chip, no mobile data or network needed. Users can watch Live TV, sports, news, emergency alerts.
Trialed in 19+ cities including Delhi, Bengaluru with IIT Kanpur & Saankhya LabsNo harmful interference to mobile networks, no heating issueBig win for areas with weak internet, will reduce data load on telcos
Challenge: Most current phones don’t support D2M, need ATSC 3.0, antenna, baseband unitGovt sees it as way to reach 9 crore homes out of 28 crore that still don’t have TV access.
