The government is exploring the potential of direct-to-mobile (D2M) technology, which allows the broadcasting of video and other forms of multimedia content directly to mobile phones without requiring an active internet connection. According to the government, D2M technology will help shift 25-30 per cent of video traffic to unclog 5G networks, accelerating digital evolution and democratising content delivery in the country.

Against this backdrop, IIT Kanpur, in collaboration with Prasar Bharati and the Telecommunications Standards Development Society, India, released a white paper on D2M broadcasting. The Ministry of Communications later issued a letter outlining the versatile applications of the technology, such as mobile-centric and seamless content delivery, hybrid broadcast, real-time and on-demand content, and interactive services.

A look at the key features and benefits of D2M technology, its impact on consumers and the telecom industry, and implementation roadblocks…

Features and benefits

D2M technology is based on the convergence of broadband and broadcast. It utilises over-the-air (OTA) transmission to deliver content directly to mobile devices. This approach eliminates the need for continuous internet connectivity. It combines OTA broadcast with broadband internet delivery, providing a hybrid approach that optimises content delivery and ensures consistent user experience. The technology can also be integrated with emergency alert systems to deliver critical information and public safety alerts directly to mobile users. D2M is designed to be scalable and adaptable to future technological advancements, ensuring compatibility with evolving mobile devices and networks. One of the main features of the D2M network is its ability to converge with traditional mobile networks and provide an additional data pipe to mobile operators, which can potentially help decongest the network from heavy bandwidth-consuming applications such as video streaming and over-the-top services.

A technical report by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications, has highlighted several advantages of terrestrial broadcasting through D2M:

Wide coverage: Terrestrial broadcasting can provide wide coverage across large geographic areas, reaching people in both urban and rural areas. This is particularly important in regions where internet connectivity is limited or unreliable.

Reliability: It is less susceptible to disruptions caused by weather, natural disasters, or other factors that can affect internet connectivity. Emergency alerts are delivered directly, reliably and without dependence on internet/cellular networks.

Cost-effectiveness: Terrestrial broadcasting infrastructure is already in place in many areas, and upgrading it to support 5G technology is often less costly than building new infrastructure for wireless networks.

Low latency: 5G terrestrial broadcasting can offer low latency, which means that there is minimal delay between when a signal is sent and when it is received. This is especially important for real-time applications such as live sports broadcasts.

High quality video: Terrestrial broadcasting can deliver high quality video content with better picture and sound quality compared to many streaming services. This is because broadcasting networks have more bandwidth and are not affected by internet traffic congestion.

Energy efficiency: Terrestrial broadcasting networks are designed to be energy efficient and can operate with low power consumption, making them a more sustainable option compared to some wireless networks.

Based on the convergence of broadband and broadcast, D2M technology utilises over-the-air transmission to deliver content directly to mobile devices. This approach eliminates the need for continuous internet connectivity and can help decongest networks.

Impact on consumers

The converged network will enable consumers to access unlimited video and data content at a nominal fixed monthly price without having to rely on costly and often unreliable mobile broadband networks. This will be particularly useful for those in rural areas, as they have limited or no internet access to watch videos. Users in such places will be able to watch video content without an active internet connection. The technology can help students access educational content in remote areas, while farmers can access weather forecasts and information on different cultural practices without the internet. Furthermore,

D2M enhances instantaneous speeds and consumer experience by delivering the same superior quality to all users, regardless of the number of active users on the network.

Telcos’ concerns

Telecom service providers (TSPs) have raised concerns about loss of revenue from video consumption, a key segment that continues to grow. The technology may also force telecom operators to rethink their 5G strategies. According to the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the draft policy document for the D2M network requires a re-evaluation of aspects such as a level playing field, spectrum allocation, network integration, and regulatory and cost arbitrage in favour of the proposed public-private partnership model and against  TSPs.

The COAI argued that the present proposal on spectrum assignment for the D2M network needs to be reviewed comprehensively, especially from the perspective of ensuring a level playing field. The 526-582 MHz band proposed for D2M services should be allocated to service providers, enabling them to use broadcasting capabilities (D2M) based on market requirements on the spectrum assigned through auctions. It notes that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India had recommended refarming existing usage in this band so that it can be made available for international mobile telecommunications and that it has commercial value. As per the COAI, building a dedicated D2M network by earmarking spectrum specifically for broadcasting infrastructure and providing competing/complimentary services would lead to a breach of a level playing field. For the complete and effective utilisation of the 526-582 MHz spectrum band, the COAI recommends a transparent spectrum auction and a technology-neutral approach with a focus on seamless integration into the existing mobile networks.

Furthermore, the COAI highlights the assumption that a dedicated D2M network is required for sending alerts during disasters. It states that cellular networks have been successfully delivering SMS-based disaster alert messages through the common alerting protocol platform. Recently, trials for cell broadcast methods were also conducted.

D2M roll-out has also been opposed by the smartphone industry, which expressed that mandating devices to offer support to D2M broadcasting will increase the cost of devices by at least Rs 2,500.

Implementation challenges

Various implementation challenges have been highlighted by both industry stakeholders and the government. A major roadblock is the lack of device readiness, as currently available mobile devices do not support D2M technology, which requires the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) 3.0 standard. To enable devices to support next-generation broadcast networks under these standards, a separate baseband processing unit is needed. Additionally, the current network infrastructure lacks the capability to transmit signals for D2M. This technology necessitates a dense network of terrestrial towers to receive signals from satellites and transmit them to streaming devices, reducing the size of the device’s antenna. This is unlike direct-to-home technology, which employs fixed rooftop antennas linked to broadcast satellites. Terrestrial broadcasting signals can also be vulnerable to interference from other sources, such as other broadcast signals, electrical equipment, or weather conditions. This can result in signal disruptions or reduced coverage in certain areas.

To this end, industry bodies have recommended an alternative model called 5G Broadcast. Currently undergoing testing, this technology relies on high towers with powerful transmitters to distribute media content via continuous, linear data streams. It is compatible with both 5G and 4G and eliminates the need for a new processing unit, potentially reducing device costs. Furthermore, the 5G Broadcast network can be deployed within the existing network set-ups, commonly used by the majority of broadcasters.

The next steps

Following a comprehensive consultation process, the TEC has received inputs from all stakeholders on D2M technology, including its features, deployment status, maturity and standards. The agency is now finalising a new draft report on the subject based on stakeholders’ feedback. It will also determine the adoption of ATSC 3.0 standards into national norms, which will allow the broadcast of TV channels and content to mobile phones, similar to terrestrial broadcasting on TV.

In addition, the government recently announced that pilots of indigenous D2M technology developed by Saankhya Labs and IIT Kanpur, will soon be held in 19 cities. The trials will be conducted using Prasar Bharati’s infrastructure. A decision for mass-scale roll-out will be made after evaluating these pilots. The D2M technology is expected to be launched in India in 2025.

Sarah Khan