Imagine your phone pulling in live news and cricket the way it picks up FM radio, with no data pack, no buffering, and no Wi-Fi hunt. That is the promise of Direct-to-Mobile (D2M), and it is now one step closer to reality.
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What’s New in D2M?
Prasar Bharati is reportedly set to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) next month for the commercial rollout of D2M, though the exact timeline remains unclear. An MIB official confirmed the RFP is likely within a month, after repeated delays that have prolonged uncertainty. In plain terms, the technology is moving from trials toward a real launch. thehansindiaexchange4media
D2M : Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| What it is | Broadcast technology that sends video directly to compatible phones |
| Internet needed? | No |
| SIM needed? | No |
| Works like | FM radio on your phone |
| Led by | Prasar Bharati, with IIT Kanpur and Tejas Networks (Saankhya Labs) |
| Trials | 19+ cities |
| Next step | RFP for commercial rollout |
| Main hurdle | Phones need D2M-capable hardware |
How Does D2M Work?
D2M doesn’t use the mobile network that handles calls and internet. It works like FM radio, with a receiver picking up broadcast signals. Because it is broadcast, one signal can reach millions of devices at once without clogging mobile networks. thehansindia
There is a catch. Current mobile devices don’t support D2M, and the network’s larger antennas may be hard to fit into existing smartphone designs. You will need a D2M-ready phone or an accessory. communicationstoday
Who Benefits Most?
The biggest winners are people with little or no access to video. Of roughly 280 million Indian households, nearly 190 million have TV services, leaving around 90 million without. Feature-phone users stand to gain too. Lava and HMD have developed D2M feature phones priced at ₹2,000–2,500, and smartphone users could use a ₹500–600 dongle. thehansindiaupstox
Beyond entertainment, D2M can deliver emergency alerts, educational content, and weather updates, even where networks fail. Initially, most content is expected to come from public broadcaster Prasar Bharati. exchange4media
Not Everyone Is Cheering
Telecom operators have been wary from the start. They see D2M as a threat to their data business. The Cellular Operators Association of India, whose members include Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, has asked for closer scrutiny of the impact on existing networks and spectrum. Industry players also want clarity on business models and investment commitments. telecomtalkexchange4media
So the technology is ready, but the policy and commercial questions are not fully settled. Watch the RFP details closely, because that is where the real rollout picture will emerge. You can read more about the broadcaster behind the project on Prasar Bharati’s Wikipedia page.
Conclusion
D2M could change how India watches video, especially for those the internet hasn’t reached. Follow our latest tech news on TechnoSports and explore more smartphone and telecom updates to stay ahead. Would you buy a D2M phone? Tell us in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch TV on my phone without internet using D2M?
Yes, on a D2M-compatible device. It receives broadcast signals directly, with no data or SIM required.
Will my current smartphone support D2M?
Most won’t. You will likely need a D2M-enabled phone or a separate dongle.
