HMD, Lava to launch D2M phones in India soon

Ahead of the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 event (May 1-4), HMD, the makers of Nokia phones in India has announced to launch (Direct-to-Mobile) D2M phones in India soon.

For the uninitiated, D2M is new broadcasting technology, which enables OTT and live TV, video, audio, and text messages directly to mobile phones without the need for Wi-Fi or internet service. 

The company will collaborate with FreeStream Technologies, Tejas Networks, and Sinclair to offer D2M service.

"HMD has always been committed to staying ahead of the innovation curve and delivering the best consumer experience. With this philosophy at the core of our mission, we're excited to be a part of the D2M journey. This groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind platform worldwide enables our consumers to access a vast array of multimedia content,” said Ravi Kunwar, VP and CEO, HMD India and APAC.

Even Lava International Ltd has announced partnership with Tejas Networks and Sinclair to launch D2M phones in India.

The D2M not only helps private companies to stream educational, sports and entertainment content, but also allow government-run emergency response team to send alerts through terrestrial TV broadcast airwaves to people’s mobile directly in the times of natural calamities such as earthquakes, tsunami, heavy rains and cyclone storms.

“As an Indian brand in the mobile and electronics industry, we have consistently partnered with the government of India on its developmental initiatives. With D2M technology, we can now reach last-mile users without any internet requirements. It is a landmark innovation that will enhance safety and security for our citizens, and I am thankful to our partners for working together on this initiative. Post the trials, we will begin manufacturing at a large scale,” said Sanjeev Agarwal, Executive Director, Lava International Limited.

Lava’s upcoming phone will feature a 2.8-inch QVGA display, a dedicated UHF antenna for TV reception, SL3000 software-defined receiver chip, MediaTek MT6261 processor, GSM functionality for voice services, and a 2200mAh battery. Lava’s platform software is fully integrated with Tejas Networks’ SDK for seamless TV and tuner operations.

“The phones are powered by Saankhya Labs’ award-winning SL-3000 chipset, which is the foundational D2M enabler. We have also developed the Core Network platform that will enable the delivery of targeted Ads, CDN offload, educational content, emergency alerts, and other applications, furthering PM Modi’s vision of a Digitally Empowered India,” said Parag Naik, co-founder of erstwhile Saankhya Labs and executive vice president, Tejas Networks.

The companies will soon start field trials in India.

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