How Does Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) Technology Work Without Internet Access? Explained
The Indian government is exploring the potential of a groundbreaking technology known as Direct-to-Mobile (D2M), aiming to provide mobile users with live TV channels on their smartphones without requiring an internet connection. This innovative approach, developed by the collaborative efforts of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), and IIT-Kanpur, could revolutionise content delivery, particularly for educational purposes and emergency alerts.
The Genesis of D2M Technology
The journey of D2M technology began with a white paper released by IIT-Kanpur on June 1 in collaboration with Prasar Bharti and the Telecommunications Development Society, India . This paper introduced D2M as a component of NextGen Broadcast (NGB), an integration of various existing technologies to achieve optimal outcomes.
The Mechanism Behind D2M
Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) technology is akin to FM radio, where a receiver within a device tunes into different radio frequencies. It fuses broadband and broadcast technologies, allowing mobile phones to capture digital TV signals within a specific geographic area. Through D2M, a wide range of multimedia content, including live TV broadcasts, can be streamed directly to smartphones, bypassing the need for an internet connection.
Parag Naik, CEO of Saankhya Labs , describes D2M as a unique "Made in India" innovation set to transform content delivery. With a considerable percentage of content consumption occurring on mobile phones, D2M technology offers users the opportunity to access video content without incurring data charges.
The Technical Nuances
D2M relies on the use of a specific radio frequency band, specifically the 526-582 MHz range, which collaborates seamlessly with both mobile and broadcast services. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has established a committee to explore the possibilities and implications of using this band, aiming to utilise it effectively for D2M technology.
The Need for D2M
As smartphone-based content consumption continues to surge, it's becoming the primary driver of mobile data growth in India. Therefore, the implementation of direct broadcasting capabilities for mobile phones is essential. The IIT-Kanpur study outlines how D2M-capable smartphones can optimally stream high-quality video and audio services, effectively utilising valuable spectrum and reducing the strain on cellular networks.
Moreover, D2M addresses challenges posed by the spread of fake news and viral content. During events like the COVID-19 lockdown or natural disasters, broadcast media's reliability stands in contrast to the biases and uncertainties of internet-based media.
D2M's Mass Scale Utilisation
D2M technology boasts various applications for mass-scale utilisation:
- Emergency Alerts: Delivering reliable alerts without dependence on internet or cellular networks.
- Disaster Management : Providing authentic, targeted audio content for disaster management.
- Terrestrial Fallback: Ensuring a terrestrial broadcast option for critical public content during satellite failures.
- Resource Conservation: Converging radio services into a shared broadcast infrastructure, conserving spectrum and resources, while enabling simultaneous audio and video reception on smartphones and smart devices.
Telecom Operators' Concerns
While D2M technology offers substantial benefits to consumers and content providers, telecom operators worry about potential revenue losses from reduced data consumption. Additionally, concerns about its impact on their 5G strategies further complicate their stance.
Challenges Ahead
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is currently conducting feasibility studies on D2M technology, which remains in the developmental phase. Engaging different stakeholders, including telecommunications companies, is pivotal for its successful launch on a large scale. To accomplish this, the government needs to formulate attractive propositions or policy reforms that encourage stakeholder participation.
Overcoming infrastructural challenges is also a priority, as ensuring technology availability across the entire country presents its own set of hurdles. Yet, with the potential benefits of direct-to-mobile technology, the Indian government is committed to shaping the future of content delivery.