In a landmark move set to redefine media accessibility in India, Lava and HMD Mobile Devices have jointly announced the rollout of feature phones enabled with Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcast technology at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.
This new line of devices is poised to bring multimedia content—ranging from live sports and entertainment to public service alerts—directly over the airwaves, without the need for mobile data or Wi-Fi.
Feature Phones Get a Futuristic Upgrade
India’s feature phone market, still serving over 230 million users, has long been considered disconnected from the app-based digital revolution. But D2M technology may change that.
Lava’s new D2M model, developed in collaboration with Tejas Networks, will run on a MediaTek MT6261 SoC, equipped with a Saankhya Labs SL3000 tuner chip. The phone will feature a 2.8-inch display, a 2,200mAh battery, and a dedicated UHF antenna, enabling the reception of terrestrial TV broadcasts—a first for feature phones in the Indian market.
“This is not just innovation—it’s inclusion,” said a Lava spokesperson at the summit. “By integrating D2M in a sub-₹2,000 handset, we’re bringing real-time information and entertainment to parts of India that remain unconnected to fast internet.”
HMD Mobile Devices has also confirmed the launch of its own D2M-capable feature phone, using the same SL3000 chipset by Saankhya Labs, though it is yet to share full hardware specifications.
What is D2M—and Why Does It Matter?
D2M (Direct-to-Mobile) is a broadcast technology that transmits multimedia content over broadcast spectrum, much like FM radio. It is based on ATSC 3.0 standards, which are being trialled by India’s national broadcaster Prasar Bharati. The system can deliver video, audio, text, and even emergency alerts, directly to mobile devices without requiring any internet connection.
It opens the door to watching YouTube, Netflix, educational content, or live cricket matches, even in low-connectivity or rural areas, without buffering or data costs.
“This is a potential game-changer for digital equity,” said a senior executive at Saankhya Labs, which has pioneered India’s D2M chipset architecture. “It could become the backbone for a nationwide content delivery network that doesn’t rely on mobile towers or fiber lines.”
A Government-Backed Digital Inclusion Push
India’s Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) and DoT have been closely monitoring D2M developments. Pilot tests in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, conducted by Prasar Bharati and IIT Kanpur, showed promising results for mobile reception, latency, and reach.
The tech is especially valuable for disaster communication, e-learning in remote areas, and cultural outreach—where traditional networks may fail or not exist.
The Road Ahead
Analysts suggest that D2M may see quicker uptake in India than in many Western markets due to cost sensitivity, high TV content consumption, and limited mobile data penetration in rural regions. If the model proves successful, it could even extend to smartphones, tablets, and automobiles, turning any screen into a real-time content receiver.
For now, Lava and HMD’s feature phones could be the tip of a digital iceberg—a signal that innovation isn’t limited to high-end devices but is equally being driven by the need for access, affordability, and resilience.
As the WAVES 2025 summit winds down, one thing is clear: D2M may soon become the FM radio of the video generation—omnipresent, effortless, and critical.
