D2M Broadcasting RFP Likely Within Month

Prasar Bharati is likely to release a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the commercial rollout of Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting within the next month, according to a senior Ministry of Information and Broadcasting official cited by Exchange4media. The proposed tender would mark a key step in moving the technology from trials towards commercial deployment.

The development follows a fresh round of technology validation tests in which equipment developed by Tejas Networks successfully cleared testing, according to documents reviewed by Exchange4media. Representatives from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Department of Telecommunications and Prasar Bharati were present during the tests.

KEY HIGHLIGHT
The proposed RFP is expected within the next month and is intended to provide a framework for D2M's commercial rollout, including deployment models and industry participation.

D2M technology enables video, audio, educational programming, news updates and emergency alerts to be transmitted directly to compatible mobile devices using broadcast spectrum, without depending on conventional broadband or cellular networks for content delivery.

The latest validation has added momentum to the project after earlier delays in the tender process. Industry executives, however, are seeking greater clarity on the proposed commercial model, investment requirements, stakeholder responsibilities and the timeline for scaling the technology beyond trials.

TECHNOLOGY VALIDATION
Prasar Bharati's technical studies with IIT Kanpur concluded that D2M broadcasting in the 470–582 MHz spectrum band did not cause harmful interference to cellular networks or abnormal heating of smartphones.

The technology is being positioned as a potential complement to internet-based streaming. Because broadcast transmission can serve large audiences simultaneously, supporters say D2M could help reduce pressure on mobile networks during high-demand events and improve access to content in areas where internet connectivity is unreliable.

The project also faces industry concerns. The Cellular Operators Association of India, whose members include Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, has sought greater scrutiny of D2M's impact on existing mobile networks and spectrum utilisation. This makes the commercial framework and stakeholder consultation important elements of the proposed RFP.

Prasar Bharati, in collaboration with IIT Kanpur and Tejas Networks, has conducted D2M trials across more than 19 cities using different transmission architectures. The proposed RFP is expected to clarify how the technology could move beyond these pilots, including potential commercial partnerships and the operational framework for wider deployment.