‘Direct-to-Mobile broadcasting technology would ease content delivery’

Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting technology developed by the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur is expected to significantly ease content delivery by enabling transmission of data and live television programmes directly to mobile devices without internet connectivity, said Prof. Sunil, president of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers.

He was speaking after inaugurating the IETE South Zone Seminar and IETE Student Forum (ISF) Congress-2026 at Sharnbasva University in Kalaburagi city on Saturday.

Explaining the technology, Prof. Sunil said D2M uses terrestrial TV broadcast airwaves to transmit IP-based multimedia content. Mobile devices equipped with a special receiver chip can receive these signals, similar to conventional television broadcasting, without relying on cellular networks. He added that an indigenously developed software-defined radio chipset, currently with Tejas Networks, enables devices to decode such signals.

He noted that the technology has been integrated into laptops powered by Intel.

Highlighting its applications, he said the primary objective of the technology is to bridge the digital divide by ensuring equitable access to information. It can be used to deliver educational content in areas with limited or no internet connectivity, and can serve as a reliable medium for broadcasting emergency alerts and disaster management information directly to the public.

Prof. Sunil said institutions and industry were already working towards launching smartphones and feature phones compatible with the new technology. Referring to broader technological trends, he said advancements in Artificial Intelligence were breaking barriers in technical education and research, with increasing emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration.

He stressed the need for self-reliance in technology development, stating that initiatives such as Make in India should extend beyond manufacturing to research and development. “Focused efforts in innovation and indigenous development are essential for the country to become self-sufficient in emerging technologies,” he said.