The Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting technology is moving closer to a wider rollout in India. This technology is meant to provide live TV broadcasts, audio, news, educational programs, and alerts to the mobile phone without having to use mobile internet data or Wi-Fi.
Prasar Bharati has been collaborating with technological and research institutions, such as IIT Kanpur, in the development and trials of the D2M technology in India. Some recent trials have met the necessary technical requirements, and Prasar Bharati is now ready for the next phase.
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What Is Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) Technology?
Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting technology allows broadcasters to send video, audio, and data directly to compatible smartphones and other devices through terrestrial broadcasting infrastructure.
Unlike traditional online streaming, D2M does not need a cellular data connection or Wi-Fi to deliver broadcast content. The technology uses broadcast spectrum to transmit content to compatible devices. This means users could potentially watch live television on their smartphones without consuming their mobile data.
How Will D2M Work?
The Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting technology works more like traditional broadcasting than internet streaming. The broadcaster transmits a signal using the terrestrial broadcast network. The mobile device that is able to connect to that signal shows the available content.
The technology is especially effective for use where it is required to transmit the message to a lot of people at once. This means instead of streaming each single internet stream to each user, the broadcaster uses the broadcast signals to reach out to several users at once.
However, users will need compatible devices or hardware capable of receiving the relevant broadcast signal. India's Telecom Engineering Centre has also identified the availability of compatible handsets as one of the challenges for large-scale adoption of D2M.
D2M Tests Clear Important Technical Checks
In June 2026, The New Indian Express reported that D2M had successfully completed another round of laboratory and field testing. The tests showed that D2M services could operate alongside mobile telephony without disrupting voice calls or SMS services.
Field testing was conducted around Kartavya Path in Delhi with the involvement of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, IIT Kanpur, and other government agencies. The successful testing was an important step towards preparing a detailed project report for the technology's implementation.
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What Can D2M Be Used For?
The Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting technology can have applications beyond entertainment.
According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, D2M can deliver video, audio, and data directly to mobile devices. Possible uses include live television, educational programs, and emergency or disaster-management alerts.
This could be particularly useful during emergencies when mobile networks are congested or when internet connectivity is limited. Prasar Bharati's D2M work with IIT Kanpur has also explored applications involving educational content, emergency response, and other broadcast services.
When Could D2M Launch in India?
The Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting technology is not yet a nationwide consumer service. Recent reports indicate that Prasar Bharati is preparing to take the project towards commercial rollout. India Today reported on September 30 that Prasar Bharati is expected to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the commercial rollout, potentially moving the project from trials towards wider deployment.
However, an RFP will be just another step in the process but will not mean in any way that D2M will immediately become available to all smartphone users. There will be more to it in terms of technology, networks, device compatibility, and other factors.
Conclusion
The Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting technology could provide another way to deliver live TV, audio, education, and emergency information to mobile users without depending on mobile internet or Wi-Fi. India has already conducted several trials, including testing in Delhi and Bengaluru.
With Prasar Bharati preparing for the next stage of commercial rollout, D2M is moving closer to wider deployment. However, nationwide availability will depend on further implementation, compatible devices, and the development of the required broadcasting infrastructure.
References:
D2M Broadcasting RFP Likely Within a Month… broadcast and cable sat
Govt Prepares for D2M Rollout: It Will Let You Watch… The India Today
Live Broadcast on Mobile Sans Net Clears Tests… News Indian Express
Author: Saurabh
Saurabh is a content writer intern at RA News Updates, based in Faridabad, Delhi NCR. He covers news, politics, and current affairs, focusing on delivering clear, accurate, and informative content. He holds an MA in Political Science from IGNOU and a BA in Political Science from PGDAV College, University of Delhi. He is also HubSpot-certified in SEO and content marketing.