Social media has been an important tool of communication but requires internet. Also facebook, X, youtube etc. are governed by rules and laws of miscellaneous companies and countries.
In the past we have watched broadcasts in India without internet using Over-the-Air (OTA) TV antennas for traditional TVs. For several years now, the Government has been working on a broader push for digital self-reliance using Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) technology. This is being developed to stream live TV directly to compatible smartphones and other mobile devices and will allow content on a mobile phone without a data connection. By minimising dependence on internet infrastructure, the D2M model could also reduce content delivery costs and relieve pressure on telecom networks.
The D2M technology enables users to receive live TV, video, audio, and text content directly on mobile phones without internet or Wi-Fi access. This approach leverages terrestrial TV broadcast signals to deliver content, positioning it as a potential disruptor to traditional data-driven streaming services. In a paper titled 'D2M Broadcast 5G Broadband Convergence Roadmap for India', published by IIT Kanpur in 2022, it was noted that currently available mobile devices do not support D2M technology. To make these devices compatible, a separate baseband processing unit is needed, along with an antenna, low-noise amplifiers, baseband filters and a receiver. Traditionally, it has been employed for issuing emergency alerts and assisting in disaster management. The government said that using D2M, information can be directly delivered on the mobile phone of users without straining network bandwidth.
The D2M platform is not entirely new to India and has undergone multi-year testing on live networks through a collaboration between public broadcaster Prasar Bharati, IIT Kanpur, and Tata group. GOI, in collaboration with several partners, has also required private players to prepare to roll out Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) phones in India, ahead of upcoming nationwide field trials,
The D2M technology functions in the manner similar to FM radio, where a receiver gets the transmitted signal. It is also similar to direct-to-home (DTH) broadcasting in which a dish antenna receives broadcast signals directly from satellites and transmits them to a receiver, also known as a set-top box.
Last year, pilot projects to test the D2M technology were carried out in Bengaluru, Kartavya Path and Noida. After successful pilot trials, the technology is moving toward a phased commercial rollout in mid/late 2026. The phones to be launched will include chipsets that support features like emergency alerts, targeted advertising, and educational content without relying on mobile data. Mobile phones have been launched by Lava and HMD (who manufactured Nokia phones).
Once implemented, it is likely to be as revolutionary and successful as India’s UPI (Unified Payments Interface), more especially in rural and smaller cities where internet penetration is low.
https://www.communicationstoday.co.in/direct-to-mobile-unlocking-indias-next-digital-wave/
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