Prasar Bharati To Introduce Live Telecasts On Smartphones Without Internet: Report

Prasar Bharati is reportedly planning to enable live telecasts of TV channels on smartphones without requiring an internet connection.

As per reports, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has confirmed that trials are being conducted in several cities in collaboration with IIT Kanpur and Saankhya Labs, utilising both high-power and low-power transmitters. Saankhya Labs, a subsidiary of Tejas Networks is a wireless communication solutions provider based in Karnataka.

Citing officials, the report states that the experiments with direct-to-mobile (D2M) technology have so far been successful. However, further advancements will necessitate transmitters on cellular towers and specialised chips in mobile phones. An official explained that the live broadcasting of TV channels on mobile devices is conducted using broadcast signals, similar to radio. The approach will require specific hardware to receive and decode these broadcast signals but will not compromise video quality, enabling high-quality streaming of both video and audio independently of internet speed.

In 2019, the MIB signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on research in areas like D2M broadcasting, rural broadband and convergence with 5G.

Additionally, Prasar Bharati is also looking to expand into the OTT space. Recent reports indicate that the new OTT platform will adopt a revenue-sharing model, wherein content providers will receive 65 per cent of the net revenue generated from subscription or transaction-based content. Prasar Bharati will retain the remaining 35 per cent. The same model will extend to satellite channels that are onboarded to the platform.