Video streaming technology has always developed and with the increased demand for online streaming content. It becomes inevitable to get the flawless delivery of the online content. The public service broadcaster Prasar Bharati and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) are exploring the areas of development of Direct-to-mobile technology that will be helpful in delivering the content at a higher pace, that too with no internet. D2M technology helps in improving the consumption of broadband and the proper utilization of spectrum. Let us understand and explore the technology and how it will be helpful in creating change in the streaming world.
What Is D2M Technology And How Can It Help In Video Streaming?
The D2M technology is primarily based on the convergence of broadband and the broadcast. With the use of technology, mobile phones will be able to receive terrestrial digital television. It will be similar to how FM radios work where a receiver in the device can tap the radio frequencies. Using D2M, multimedia content can be beamed to mobile devices directly.
Idea before getting into this latest technology and making it utilized properly is to broadcast content directly. It focuses on the delivery of citizen-centric content and can also be used to issue emergency alerts, counter fake information, and used to offer assistance in the time of disaster management. Apart from all these, there is a major scope of using the technology in the delivery of video streaming content. It fundamentally helps in streaming the content without any lag and will be seamless, that too without the use of the internet.
Effect On The OTT Business And Audience
OTT is all about making the content available over the internet direct to the user. This all is done without any intermediary in the line. It is primarily consumed by all those who prefer modern entertainment over traditional entertainment. D2M technology will be able to deliver the content without exhausting the data of the user. This will help the viewers to consume the multimedia content from the OTT platforms at a nominal rate. Moreover, it will help in creating a more equitable society where the people from rural areas can access the OTT live video streaming content with their limited data or even with no internet access.
For OTT platforms, one of the key use of the technology is to make it all accessible and reachable to the remote areas of the country. This will help them to make a difference, bridge the gap, and increase the reach of the platform. Apart from that, it will also improve the usage of the mobile spectrum and free up the bandwidth that will reduce the drops in the call and increase the data speed.
Government’s Step To Facilitate The D2M Technology
The DoT (Department of Telecommunications) has set up a committee to inspect the feasibility of a spectrum band to offer broadcast services to the smartphones of the users. K Rajaraman, Secretary at DoT said “Band 526-582 MHz is envisaged to work in coordination with both mobile and broadcast services. DoT has set up a committee to study this band”. It will all depend on the development and proper use of the technology by the stakeholders.
Challenges In The Path
Every technological development has huge potential and at the same time, there are a number of challenges that came in the way to getting the technology working in the market. CEO of Prasar Bharati said that it will a “biggest challenge” to bring the key stakeholders together including the mobile operators. This point will decide how D2M technology is going to flourish in the market. Additionally, a mass rollout of the technology will entail several regulatory changes and several changes in the infrastructure.
It will be a great development in the area of technology if the technology works as envisaged. The development will change the OTT segment altogether. It will help in increasing the reach of the platform and will bring a more equitable society. Let us hope for the best and see several positive developments in the areas of technology and the video streaming world.