India could soon become the first market to receive the world’s first Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) feature phone, a breakthrough device that allows users to watch live television without requiring internet, mobile data, or Wi-Fi connectivity. Developed by South Korea’s Kyustech and being manufactured in India, the device is expected to introduce a new era in mobile broadcasting technology, particularly in regions with limited internet access.
The phone’s standout feature is its D2M (Direct-to-Mobile) technology, powered by the advanced ATSC 3.0 broadcasting standard. Unlike conventional smartphones that rely on internet-based streaming, the D2M phone can receive television broadcasts directly through built-in broadcast signals. To improve reception, the device is equipped with a retractable in-built antenna, enabling users to access free-to-air live TV channels anywhere within coverage areas.
Industry experts believe D2M technology could significantly transform content consumption, especially in rural and remote regions where internet connectivity remains unreliable. The technology is also being viewed as a potential future standard for mobile broadcasting, with India already conducting multiple trials to explore its large-scale deployment. On the hardware front, the device features a 2.4-inch QVGA TFT display with a resolution of 320×240 pixels. It comes with a glass front, plastic frame, and plastic rear panel, weighing approximately 220 grams.
The phone supports both 2G and 4G LTE networks but does not offer 5G connectivity. It also includes dual Nano-SIM support. Unlike most modern mobile devices, the D2M feature phone does not run on Android. Instead, it operates on the lightweight ThreadX operating system and is powered by the Unisoc UMS9117-L processor. The device is equipped with 64MB RAM and 128MB internal storage, expandable up to 128GB via a microSD card. The phone houses a removable 1,800mAh battery, allowing users to replace it when needed. Charging is handled through a USB Type-C port with support for 2.5W charging. If successfully adopted, D2M technology could redefine mobile entertainment by offering free access to live television content without relying on costly internet services.
