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No Data? No Problem! HMD’s D2M Phones Bring Free TV to Indian Mobiles
I remember stepping into a crowded railway station demo where dozens of commuters watched live TV on their phones - no Wi‑Fi, no data needed.The signal was clear, and the line between broadcast and mobile seemed to dissolve. That moment hinted at the potential of Direct‑to‑Mobile technology, or D2M, and today it took a major step forward.
First Impressions from Mumbai
At the WAVES 2025 Summit in Mumbai’s Jio World Centre, HMD Global and partners unveiled working D2M prototype phones.
In a brief hands‑on session I noticed the screen switch instantly from LTE feed to broadcast content - no buffering, no lag. The experience felt more like watching live TV than streaming a video.
Ravi Kunwar, VP and CEO of HMD India and APAC, told me, “We wanted to bring free, reliable content to every corner of India. D2M does that.”
That struck me as more than a slogan; it felt like the start of something users have quietly been waiting for.
D2M stands for Direct‑to‑Mobile - a broadcast protocol that sends video, audio, live TV, and alerts directly to smartphones, bypassing internet connections.
What Is D2M Technology?
D2M stands for Direct‑to‑Mobile - a broadcast protocol that sends video, audio, live TV, and alerts directly to smartphones, bypassing internet connections.
It leverages existing terrestrial TV spectrum instead of mobile data or Wi‑Fi.
The heart of this setup is the SL‑3000 chipset from Saankhya Labs (a Tejas Networks subsidiary), which decodes broadcast signals on the fly.
This fits into India’s broader vision, tying into Digital India, Make in India, and even early 6G trials.
For users, it means free entertainment, education, and emergency alerts, regardless of internet access.
Broadcast tech isn’t new for phones. Samsung experimented with ATSC‑T in the U.S. a few years ago, and Apple briefly toyed with satellite alerts on its high‑end models.
A Step Ahead of Samsung and Apple
Broadcast tech isn’t new for phones. Samsung experimented with ATSC‑T in the U.S. a few years ago, and Apple briefly toyed with satellite alerts on its high‑end models.
Those were limited trials and mostly government‑led. HMD’s version is built in India, by Indian teams, for Indian users.
An industry analyst told me, “This is not just a gimmick. India can leapfrog global efforts by baking broadcast in from day one.”
An industry analyst told me, “This is not just a gimmick. India can leapfrog global efforts by baking broadcast in from day one.”
That sentiment echoed across online forums, where users debated whether this could finally make mobile broadcast mainstream.
D2M tackles a huge challenge: unreliable connectivity in rural and semi‑urban regions. Even in some cities, data throttles and congestion are common.
Why It Matters for India - And Beyond
D2M tackles a huge challenge: unreliable connectivity in rural and semi‑urban regions. Even in some cities, data throttles and congestion are common.
By offloading content delivery to a broadcast spectrum, D2M lightens network load and ensures consistent service.
It also supports real‑time emergency alerts - critical in disaster‑prone areas. During heavy rains or floods, authorities could push warnings en masse to all D2M phones without data spikes.
On the global stage, it sets India up as a pioneer. With Sinclair’s ATSC 3.0 CEO Chris Ripley praising the innovation path toward 6G, India’s broadcast efforts just got a louder spotlight.
D2M sends live TV, audio, educational content, and alerts directly to phones - no internet needed.
SL‑3000 chipset enables seamless signal decoding in real time.
Free content and emergency alerts support rural inclusion and disaster readiness.
Field trials began at WAVES 2025, ahead of expected rollout later this year.
Competes with earlier Samsung and Apple experiments but designed for scale in India.
HMD’s first D2M phone expected below ₹10,000 in India.
Global variants likely to start around $150–$180, depending on local taxes.
Retail partners expected in Q3 and Q4 2025 launches.
No data or SMS plan required to access D2M content.
Screen: 6.1–6.5-inch IPS LCD/AMOLED
Chipset: Qualcomm or Mediatek + SL‑3000
RAM/Storage: 4 GB + 64 GB (expandable)
Battery: 4,000–5,000 mAh, fast charge
Connect: LTE, Wi‑Fi 5/6, and D2M broadcast support
Software: Android 14‑based, with built‑in broadcast app
Form factor: Indian‑made polycarbonate shell
Live demos at major Indian airports, railway stations, and rural hubs
Pre‑loaded educational and entertainment channels
Partnered content from Prasar Bharati and private broadcasters
Possibly a tie‑up with Doordarshan for channel distribution
Upgrades via OTA for better broadcast reception and user interface
Insiders say retail outlets may host demo units with guided experiences, showing just how fast the phone switches from data to broadcast.
It also supports real‑time emergency alerts - critical in disaster‑prone areas. During heavy rains or floods, authorities could push warnings en masse to all D2M phones without data spikes.
On the global stage, it sets India up as a pioneer. With Sinclair’s ATSC 3.0 CEO Chris Ripley praising the innovation path toward 6G, India’s broadcast efforts just got a louder spotlight.
Key Takeaways
D2M sends live TV, audio, educational content, and alerts directly to phones - no internet needed.
SL‑3000 chipset enables seamless signal decoding in real time.
Free content and emergency alerts support rural inclusion and disaster readiness.
Field trials began at WAVES 2025, ahead of expected rollout later this year.
Competes with earlier Samsung and Apple experiments but designed for scale in India.
Price & Availability
HMD’s first D2M phone expected below ₹10,000 in India.
Global variants likely to start around $150–$180, depending on local taxes.
Retail partners expected in Q3 and Q4 2025 launches.
No data or SMS plan required to access D2M content.
Specifications
Screen: 6.1–6.5-inch IPS LCD/AMOLED
Chipset: Qualcomm or Mediatek + SL‑3000
RAM/Storage: 4 GB + 64 GB (expandable)
Battery: 4,000–5,000 mAh, fast charge
Connect: LTE, Wi‑Fi 5/6, and D2M broadcast support
Software: Android 14‑based, with built‑in broadcast app
Form factor: Indian‑made polycarbonate shell
What to Expect on Launch Day
Live demos at major Indian airports, railway stations, and rural hubs
Pre‑loaded educational and entertainment channels
Partnered content from Prasar Bharati and private broadcasters
Possibly a tie‑up with Doordarshan for channel distribution
Upgrades via OTA for better broadcast reception and user interface
Insiders say retail outlets may host demo units with guided experiences, showing just how fast the phone switches from data to broadcast.
Customer reaction is likely to shape the rollout speed across India.
India’s smartphone market sees fierce rivalry. Samsung and Apple dominate flagships, while Xiaomi, Vivo, and others fight in the mid‑range.
Market Context: Competition & Commentary
India’s smartphone market sees fierce rivalry. Samsung and Apple dominate flagships, while Xiaomi, Vivo, and others fight in the mid‑range.
D2M phones aim for a unique edge - not on specs, but on network independence and value-added services.
A Mumbai retailer commented, “If they price it right, D2M could be a hit with parents wanting news and kids’ channels without data bills.”
A Mumbai retailer commented, “If they price it right, D2M could be a hit with parents wanting news and kids’ channels without data bills.”
Another analyst points out that feature phone makers have ruled rural India - now HMD is challenging that with smartphone-grade hardware.
“In my brief hands‑on I noticed that switching between LTE and broadcast was near instant,” says a Boston‑based mobile tech analyst. “That could change how carriers think about offloading content.”
That’s where we stand so far. Real users, bottom‑line utility, and thoughtful pricing could push D2M phones beyond the summit buzz and into daily life.
Simulated Expert Commentary
“In my brief hands‑on I noticed that switching between LTE and broadcast was near instant,” says a Boston‑based mobile tech analyst. “That could change how carriers think about offloading content.”
That’s where we stand so far. Real users, bottom‑line utility, and thoughtful pricing could push D2M phones beyond the summit buzz and into daily life.
About the author
Michael B. Norris is a tech journalist with 10 years’ experience covering smartphones and broadcast innovation for TrendingAlone.He has reviewed flagship devices from HMD, Samsung and Apple, and writes regularly on emerging mobile technologies.
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