The Indian government's flagship "Make in India" initiative is set for a significant uplift with the upcoming launch of Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) phones announced just ahead of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 in Mumbai. This major development comes through a collaborative effort between Free Stream Technologies, Lava International, and Human Mobile Devices (HMD) Global.

D2M technology represents a revolutionary innovation in broadcasting. It leverages terrestrial Television broadcast airwaves to deliver live TV, video, audio, and text messages directly to mobile phones — without the need for Wi-Fi or internet access. This breakthrough allows consumers, particularly in underserved regions, to access a wide range of multimedia content, such as entertainment programs, sports coverage, educational material, and even critical emergency alerts, free from dependence on conventional internet infrastructure.

This move aligns with Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s vision for a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) and bolsters key government missions like "Make in India" and "Design in India". The devices will be powered by Tejas Networks’ Security Level (SL)-3000 D2M chipsets, a crucial piece of indigenous technology that highlights India's growing prowess in high-end hardware development.

Collaborative Effort to Build a D2M Device Ecosystem

The partnership between Free Stream Technologies, Lava International, and HMD Global is aimed at creating a comprehensive device ecosystem to enable large-scale deployment of D2M technology across India. According to Mr. Sumeet Nindrajog, Director of Free Stream Technologies, the collaboration with Lava and HMD is pivotal in ensuring the availability of affordable D2M-enabled devices across the country.

The initiative is not merely about innovation; it also stands as a strategic milestone that positions India as a global leader in broadcast and mobile technology integration. It also shows a clear commitment to democratising access to information by making multimedia content available to people without internet dependency — an important consideration in India, where rural and remote areas often face connectivity challenges.

Indigenous Technology at the Core

At the heart of this initiative lies Tejas Networks’ SL-3000 D2M chipset, designed and developed in India. This chipset will not only power the new range of mobile phones but will also enable the delivery of targeted advertisements, educational content, and emergency alerts through the D2M network.

This core network platform developed by Tejas Networks ensures that D2M services can be rolled out securely, efficiently, and at scale. The emphasis on indigenous technology manufacturing and design demonstrates India’s capability to drive technological self-reliance and lead global innovations.

From Proof-of-Concept to Nationwide Rollout

The D2M initiative has already undergone successful proof-of-concept trials conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur in collaboration with Prasar Bharati, India's public service broadcaster. These trials validated the technical feasibility and consumer appeal of the D2M technology, paving the way for commercial deployments.

The upcoming launch of D2M-enabled phones thus marks the transition from research and development to real-world application, setting the stage for mass adoption.

The initiative also serves as a shining example of India’s growing partnerships with global democracies, particularly the United States, in advancing cutting-edge technology. This collaboration highlights how strategic alliances can contribute to global technological leadership while promoting shared values such as open access to information and inclusive growth.

Strategic Impact on Media and Communication Landscape

D2M phones could fundamentally reshape India's media consumption landscape. By bypassing traditional internet networks, this technology can:

• Provide uninterrupted access to multimedia content even in areas with poor internet connectivity.

• Enhance educational outreach, delivering structured and engaging learning materials to remote communities.

• Improve disaster preparedness by enabling immediate broadcast of critical alerts during emergencies.

• Open new avenues for advertising and revenue generation through targeted broadcasts.

Moreover, the direct-to-device delivery model could significantly ease the load on telecom networks, particularly during large-scale events like elections, sports tournaments, or natural disasters, when network congestion is a common issue.

Path Forward and Broader Vision

The launch of D2M phones will not only boost domestic manufacturing but also inspire innovation across the mobile ecosystem. Companies will need to adapt their devices, applications, and business models to accommodate broadcast-based content delivery — a shift that could stimulate new startups, media platforms, and consumer services tailored to the D2M model.

In the broader picture, this initiative ties into the Indian government's vision of building a self-reliant digital economy. By creating homegrown technological solutions, India positions itself at the forefront of digital transformation, capable of exporting technologies to other emerging markets facing similar connectivity challenges.

The D2M rollout is thus more than just a technological update; it is a strategic national endeavor that reflects India's ambitions to be a global leader in innovation, manufacturing, and technological collaboration.

As the WAVES 2025 Summit approaches, the eyes of the world will be on India’s ambitious D2M journey — a true testament to the spirit of Make in India and Design in India.

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