New video streaming to shake up the data market

D2M technology paves the way for data-free video streaming, offering broader content access while potentially unsettling the telecom sector

- VERNIKA AWAL

Early this year, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) announced that the government was preparing to conduct trials of direct-to-mobile or D2M technology in 19 cities using Prasar Bharti's infrastructure to assess its effectiveness. To achieve this the government has been closely working with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur and Saankhya Labs, which has developed a chip that can help users stream live television feeds and even curated video content in the long run-all without the need to use mobile data.

While the development of D2M broadcasting standards has largely remained muted, the technology has created some degrees of optimism and skepticism in equal parts over the past month.

WHAT IS D2M?

Put simply, D2M broadcasting refers to the transmission of content airwaves directly from a broadcasting transmission tower to a user's smartphone. This does away with the need to use data services to stream content, especially video.

To do this, a purpose-built set of infrastructure is needed, including a specialised chip and receiver of airwaves on a smartphone itself. While all of this is a work in progress if it can be achieved, D2M will do away with the need for consumers to rely on telecom operators to get access to Internet connectivity, the backbone of all modern-day applications.

WHY IS D2M IMPORTANT?

To be sure, D2M is not drastic or new but is so far used only in limited capacities for emergency public broadcasting of central government notifications. D2M is key because the networks are getting increasingly congested and consumption of mobile data is on the rise. Further, D2M could expand mobile content consumption even to newer sections of society, thereby becoming a technology that could help power progress in many households that do not have access to a television unit.