Direct-To-Mobile Technology:
The government is working on trailblazing technology that will allow users to watch live TV channels on their smartphones without any internet connection.
D2M Technology in Smartphones
Direct-to-mobile technology (D2M) broadcasting could be a reality in the upcoming technology world. With the use of D2M technology mobile users may be able to stream videos without a SIM card or internet connection.
Information and Broadcasting Secretary Apurva Chandra addressing a broadcast summit said trials of the in-house Direct-to-mobile technology would be held in 19 cities and made a strong pitch for reserving the 470-582 MHz spectrum for this emerging technology.
Mr. Apurva said, that if 25-30 % of video traffic passes to Direct-to-mobile technology it will release the load of 5G networks accelerating the nation’s digital progress and making content delivery more accessible to everyone.
The Ministry of Communication has listed all the protean features of D2M technology including mobile-centric and seamless delivery, hybrid broadcast, real-time and on-demand content, and interactive services in a letter.
What is D2M Technology?
Data signals, Audio, and Video are sent to mobile phones through D2M technology. D2M makes use of certain frequencies and current land-based communication infrastructures. This D2M technology is often used in helping send out emergency messages or during disaster relief.
The public will be able to view live TV channels on their mobile without any internet connection which is now being tested by the government.
Saankhya Labs, Tejas Networks-owned wireless communication and semiconductor solutions provider, the government aims to launch a D2M technology pilot project in 19 cities.
How does the Technology Work?
Direct-to-mobile technology works similarly to FM radio, where a receiver gets the transmitted signal also like DTH broadcasting in which a dish antenna receives direct signals directly from satellites and sends them to the receiver, basically called a set-top box.
A paper published by IIT Kanpur in 2022 titled “D2M Broadcast 5G Broadband Convergence Roadmap for India” noted that currently available mobile devices do not support D2M technology.
To make this device suitable, a separate baseband processing unit is needed, along with an antenna, low-noise amplifiers, baseband filters, and a receiver.
Working Out the Cost
Integrating a separate baseband processing unit is anticipated to significantly increase mobile phone costs and potentially impact the current architecture for LTE and 5G networks.
The D2M network will operate in the 526MHz-582MHz brand. It requires larger antennas that may pose assimilation challenges within the current smartphone design.
How will it Benefit the Users?
D2M service will have multiple benefits to the users such as users being able to receive social services, public safety alerts, and emergency notifications without being reliant on telecom networks.
Moreover, the technology will also bridge the digital gap in the nation and spread educational content to remote areas.
Last year D2M technology pilot projects were carried out in Kartavya Path, Noida, and Bengaluru.