Lava and HMD to Launch India’s First D2M Phones with Free Live TV Streaming – No Data or Wi-Fi Needed!

In a groundbreaking step towards the future of mobile entertainment, Lava and HMD (previously Nokia Mobile) are set to introduce India's first D2M (Direct-to-Mobile) smartphones. These industry-altering devices will enable consumers to watch live TV without consuming mobile data or Wi-Fi, a groundbreaking step in technology. This breakthrough is brought about through strategic partnerships with FreeStream Technologies, IIT Kanpur, Tejas Networks, and other important associates. Let's explore what D2M is, how it functions, and why this innovation might transform the digital content consumption environment in India and elsewhere.

What is D2M (Direct-to-Mobile) Technology?

D2M, or Direct-to-Mobile, is a new broadcast technology that allows live television content to be transmitted directly to smartphones via terrestrial broadcast signals. It works much like traditional TV broadcasts, except with a difference—it delivers the content directly to mobile phones without the need for an active mobile data or Wi-Fi connection.

How Does It Work?

Rather than using the internet, D2M phones employ a built-in antenna and chipset that pick up signals broadcast via UHF (Ultra High Frequency) spectrum. Broadcasters broadcast these signals, and receiving phones with compatible hardware get them.

D2M ecosystem is driven by the SL-3000 chipset created by Saankhya Labs, a leader in wireless communication technologies. This chipset makes it possible for mobile devices to decode digital TV signals for real-time viewing.

Industry Collaborations Powering the D2M Ecosystem

D2M phone launch is not an endeavor of a single brand but an ecosystem that includes:

• HMD (Nokia Mobile) – A household name in mobile technology, contributing its heritage and R&D strength.

• Lava International – Indian smartphone brand focused on innovation at affordability.

• FreeStream Technologies – Important contributor to D2M development, which advances broadcast delivery.

• IIT Kanpur – Contributing research capability and engineering expertise.

• Tejas Networks – Adding networking and telecom solutions for scalable deployment.

This partnership ensures that the D2M rollout is not only a hardware launch but a cornerstone movement towards creating India's broadcast-to-mobile infrastructure.

First Public Showcase at WAVES 2025 in Mumbai

HMD will unveil its D2M-capable smartphone at the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, which will take place on May 1 in Mumbai. The global event will be the first public forum where the functionality of D2M smartphones will be showcased.

Visitors to WAVES 2025 will experience live TV streaming on a smartphone without internet connectivity a first in India.

Sinclair Inc. and the Global Context

While India takes the lead with its D2M initiative, the rest of the world is also following suit. Sinclair Inc., one of the major American telecommunications companies, is itself actively engaged in the creation of similar technologies under the ATSC 3.0 digital terrestrial TV broadcast standard.

Actually, Sinclair has officially announced that HMD and Lava D2M phones will be compatible with ATSC 3.0, enabling support of next-generation global broadcast standards. It will not only improve global attractiveness but also make them future-proof.

Sinclair’s B2X Vision

Extending beyond D2M, Sinclair is developing B2X (Broadcast-to-Everything) a larger ecosystem where broadcast signals can be picked up by a vast range of devices ranging from smartphones, smart cars, and tablets to even IoT devices. B2X is being developed with 6G technologies in mind, so the existing D2M phones are a stepping stone to a bigger, more connected future.

HMD D2M Smartphone

HMD’s upcoming D2M smartphone is expected to pack powerful hardware tailored for uninterrupted live TV streaming.

Key Specifications:

• Chipset: SL-3000 by Saankhya Labs

• Broadcast Standard Support: ATSC 3.0

• D2M Reception: Built-in UHF antenna

• Collaboration: Developed in association with IIT Kanpur and Tejas Networks

• Showcase Date: May 1, 2025 (WAVES Summit, Mumbai)

While additional details such as screen size, battery, or camera are yet to be revealed, the focus remains on seamless D2M content consumption.

Lava’s Affordable D2M Phone

Lava is going in a different direction by launching a more affordable D2M smartphone meant for mass use throughout India, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions where internet connectivity is either limited or costly.

Key Specifications:

• Chipset: MediaTek MT6261 with integrated SL-3000

• Battery: 2,200 mAh

• D2M Reception: UHF antenna for live TV capture

• Target Market: Budget and entry-level users

This combination of low power consumption and affordable hardware makes the Lava D2M smartphone a perfect candidate for India's tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

Key Features of D2M Phones

Let’s break down the core features that make D2M phones unique:

Feature	Description
UHF Antenna	Captures broadcast TV signals without data or Wi-Fi
No Data Required	Stream live TV without using mobile internet
Battery Efficient	Especially with Lava’s 2,200 mAh low-power setup
Real-Time Streaming	Watch news, sports, entertainment, and more on the go
ATSC 3.0 Support	Future-ready and globally compatible
Public-Private Collaboration	Backed by tech institutions and industry leaders

Why D2M is a Game-Changer for India

1. Internet-Free Entertainment

India boasts more than 600 million smartphone subscribers, yet just about 50% of them have consistent access to mobile data. D2M unlocks live news, cricket matches, learning, and entertainment even in far-flung villages.

2. Disaster Management and Emergency Alerts

At times of natural calamity or network failure, D2M technology has the capability to beam emergency warnings to masses, thus making it a mighty tool for public safety.

3. Decongesting Mobile Networks

Since video streaming contributes to more than 70% of India's data usage, moving live TV to D2M will help decrease network congestion by a great extent, enhancing internet speed and efficiency as a whole.

4. Boost for Content Creators and Broadcasters

Classic broadcasters and OTT players will be able to reach out to non-internet users, thereby opening up a new user base for ad-funded models or hybrid subscription models.

D2M Phones as a Catalyst for Growth

With the Indian government and key telecom players already looking into 6G and digital public infrastructure, D2M perfectly fits the vision of "Digital India."

As per recent market reports:

• Mobile live TV viewership is likely to increase by more than 25% YoY.

• Offline content delivery models (such as D2M) may cut telecom network expenses by as much as 40%.

• Ad revenues from mobile TV may exceed ₹5,000 crore per annum by 2027 with effective implementation.

Although Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) technology has huge promise for the future of media consumption, there are a couple of significant issues that must be solved along the way. One of the major concerns is hardware adoption embedding D2M chipsets into mobile devices contributes to the bill of materials (BOM) expense, which might affect pricing and manufacturing strategies. Besides, broadcasters have to negotiate content licensing deals specifically designed for D2M delivery so that legal mechanisms are in place for smooth delivery. On the infrastructure side, the deployment requires efficient use of UHF spectrum and extensive development of tower networks to facilitate mass coverage. Perhaps more crucially, public recognition is also important most users remain unaware of the mechanisms of D2M and the advantages it offers, so education and outreach are a priority area. That being said, with strong government support and ongoing cooperation between public and private sectors, these challenges can be addressed effectively, leading to a more connected and content-rich world.

Beyond Entertainment

Education

Students in remote areas can access lectures and educational content without internet dependency.

Agriculture

Farmers can receive weather updates, mandi rates, and government scheme details in real-time.

Politics and Public Communication

Live speeches and public announcements can be streamed nationwide at zero cost to citizens.

E-Governance

D2M can support the delivery of digital services to underserved populations, fulfilling the promise of inclusive growth.

The impending release of D2M-enabled smartphones by Lava and HMD is a turning point not only in mobile technology but in the way digital content is accessed and consumed in India. From live TV for free to learning empowerment and disaster response, D2M can change the lives of millions of people.

With robust partnerships from institutions such as IIT Kanpur, organizations such as Sinclair Inc., and a well-defined emphasis on affordability and accessibility, D2M technology might well be India's next digital revolution.

Wait for the HMD D2M Phone to make its appearance on May 1, 2025, at the WAVES Summit in Mumbai. The countdown to India's data-free live TV revolution has begun officially!