FreeStream Technologies Gears Up for National Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) Rollout

In a major development for India's telecommunications landscape, FreeStream Technologies, a deep-tech startup incubated at IIT Kanpur, announced the appointment of Parag Naik as its new Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer on June 18, 2026. This leadership change signals the company's transition from research and development into the commercialization phase of its Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting technology.

What is D2M Technology?

D2M technology allows multimedia content, including live television, educational streams, and emergency alerts, to be broadcast directly to mobile devices without requiring an active internet connection or cellular data plan. It functions similarly to traditional FM radio but is designed for high-bandwidth digital video and data. The technology aims to offload significant traffic from congested telecom networks while expanding digital access to rural and underserved areas where broadband penetration remains low.

National Rollout Plans

Under Naik's leadership, FreeStream is collaborating with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to finalize the regulatory and spectrum allocation frameworks needed for a nationwide rollout. Pilot programs have already demonstrated the feasibility of D2M in dense urban environments, and the national deployment is targeted for late 2026. This initiative aligns strongly with the government's digital inclusion and disaster management strategies.