Direct-to-Mobile Technology Services in the Spotlight

The Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) technology has gained significant attention in the news lately due to the recent request made by Indian telecommunications companies to the government for conducting a spectrum auction specifically for D2M technology services.

Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) Technology

What is Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) technology and What are its benefits ?

• D2M (Direct-to-mobile) technology revolutionizes communication by integrating broadband and broadcast capabilities.

• With D2M, mobile phones can effortlessly capture local digital TV signals, facilitating the seamless streaming of multimedia content, such as live TV matches, without relying on internet connectivity.

• This technology functions akin to an FM radio, as the device's receiver can access various radio frequencies.

• It offers advantages in transmitting emergency alerts, disaster management audio content, and citizen-centric information directly to mobile devices, thereby decreasing dependence on internet data usage.

Broadband refers to high-speed internet connectivity that enables the transmission of data in both directions. On the other hand, broadcast refers to the one-way transmission of content, such as television or radio signals, to a large audience. Unlike broadcast, broadband offers an interactive experience, allowing users to engage in two-way communication.

Current Status of D2M technology in India:

Despite the ongoing discussion surrounding the proposed direct-to-mobile (D2M) technology, a meeting was scheduled to take place in early December between the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The purpose of this inter-ministerial meeting was to delve deeper into the matter and gather the results from feasibility studies conducted thus far, in order to gain a clearer understanding of the technology's potential in India.

Additionally, the meeting was aimed to address the prevailing uncertainty regarding the utilization of this technology, specifically whether it will be limited to public broadcasters such as Prasar Bharati or if private broadcasters will also be permitted to employ it.

But final conclusion still unclear and the future of this technology will be more clear after more thoroughly study and discussion.