Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) Technology in India

4 Jan 2024

Direct-to-Mobile (D2M)

Introduction

The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) has identified significant challenges in implementing direct-to-mobile (D2M) technology, which allows streaming TV content directly to mobile phones without an internet connection.
The proposal for D2M has faced opposition from technology companies like Qualcomm, Samsung, Ericsson, Nokia, and telecom operators.

Direct-to-mobile (D2M) technology is a method of transmitting content directly to mobile devices using broadcast signals. Here are the key points to understand about D2M technology:
D2M uses broadcast networks, similar to those for TV and radio, to send content directly to mobile devices, bypassing traditional cellular or internet data networks.
This technology is efficient for delivering the same content to many users simultaneously, reducing the load on cellular networks and making it ideal for live events or popular broadcasts.
Mobile devices need to be equipped with specific hardware to receive and decode broadcast signals, which may require new standards in smartphone manufacturing.
D2M can offer high-quality video and audio streaming, as it doesn’t depend on the variable speed and stability of an internet connection.

Integration Issues: Integrating smartphones with D2M and digital terrestrial TV to mobile devices (DTT2M) technologies is a major challenge.
Infrastructure Requirements: Implementing technologies like Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) 3.0 (NextGen TV) may necessitate a new nationwide network for indoor coverage, adding complexity.
Increased Costs: The adoption of D2M technology could lead to higher costs for smartphone manufacturers and, consequently, higher phone prices.
Ecosystem and Viability Concerns: Challenges include the availability of a handset ecosystem, scalability, business viability, and spectrum requirements.

Device Ecosystem: Success in adopting D2M technology hinges on enabling service on mobile devices, particularly smartphones or tablets, and creating an open-market, low-cost device ecosystem.
Need for Compatible Standards: A standard compatible with existing mobile handsets is essential for cost-effectiveness and leveraging the existing ecosystem.
Offloading Broadcasting Traffic: The standard should facilitate offloading broadcasting traffic over phones and guide the design and manufacture of smartphones for direct broadcast signal reception.

Convergence of Services: The government aims to explore the convergence of broadcasting and broadband services through D2M technology.
Direct Broadcasting Benefits: Users could receive terrestrial digital TV content on handsets, similar to FM radio. The technology could broadcast emergency alerts, public safety messages, and social services.
Traffic Offloading: Telcos could offload video content to broadcasting networks, reducing network congestion.

Lack of Available Devices: Currently, no mobile devices support these broadcasting technologies or standards globally.
International Trials: Countries like the USA, Brazil, Mexico, and Canada are conducting trials for D2M technology.

Hasty Implementation Worries: Stakeholders expressed concerns about the government’s rushed approach to implementing a technology still in its early stages.
Telcos’ Revenue Concerns: Telecom operators are apprehensive about potential revenue losses from their data business if mobiles pick up signals from D2M technology.

Critical Factors: The success of D2M in India will depend on the development of a device ecosystem and the ability to broadcast to a vast number of open-market mobile devices.
Navigating Implementation Challenges: Addressing the identified challenges and considering stakeholder concerns will be crucial in determining the feasibility and success of D2M technology in India.

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