DoTs arm finalising new draft On D2M broadcasting and standards

The Department of Telecommunications’ (DoT) technical arm, the Telecommunications Engineering Centre (TEC), is on the brink of finalizing a new draft report on direct-to-mobile (D2M) broadcasting and the standards necessary for its adoption.

D2M technology promises to revolutionize how mobile phone users consume TV content, enabling them to watch live TV directly on their devices without needing a cellular data connection. This technology is seen as a game-changer in content delivery, offering a personalized, on-demand content experience on smartphones.

Why is the D2M report significant?

The upcoming report from TEC is highly anticipated, as it has been compiled with inputs from a wide range of stakeholders, including telecom operators, chipmakers, handset manufacturers, and network vendors.

These inputs cover various aspects of D2M broadcasting technology, such as its features, deployment status, maturity, and standards. The report is expected to shed light on whether India will adopt ATSC 3.0 standards as part of its national norms, which would facilitate the broadcast of TV channels and content directly to mobile phones.

What are the concerns?

Despite the enthusiasm, there is a notable concern among telecom firms, chipmakers, handset players, and network vendors regarding a hasty decision on adopting ATSC 3.0 standards.

They argue that ATSC 3.0 has not yet achieved significant global adoption and that the lack of an ecosystem could pose challenges. Moreover, the cost implications are significant, with smartphone makers indicating that adopting ATSC 3.0 standards could increase the cost of a device by $30.

Government’s vision for D2M

The government envisions D2M technology as a means to achieve convergence in content delivery through both broadcast and broadband, especially with the upcoming 5G services. This initiative sees collaboration across various ministries and departments, including DoT, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the Department of Science and Technology. 

A pilot project in 19 cities, utilizing Prasar Bharti’s infrastructure, is set to commence to test the viability of D2M technology. The outcome of this pilot will be crucial in deciding the future and scale of D2M's rollout in India.

The potential impact of D2M

With TV currently reaching 210-220 million homes and approximately 800 million smartphone users in India—a number expected to reach 1 billion by 2026—the potential for D2M technology is immense. Over 80% of internet traffic being video highlights the growing demand for mobile as an ideal platform for broadcast delivery alongside traditional TV.

The adoption of D2M technology could significantly enhance the way content is consumed in India, making it more accessible and personalized for the vast smartphone user base.