In a landmark move for Indian digital entertainment, Prasar Bharati, the national public broadcaster, officially launched its OTT platform, Waves, on November 20, 2024, coinciding with World Television Day.
The launch occurred at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, with Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant calling it a significant milestone for the Indian entertainment industry.
Waves Subscription Plans and Pricing
Waves offers a range of subscription plans to cater for different user needs:
Platinum Plan: ₹999 Per Year
- Access to all content, including live TV, movies, and TV specials
- Streaming on up to 4 devices in Ultra HD (1080p)
- Additional features include downloads, live radio, and a 10% discount on transactional video-on-demand (TVOD) content
Diamond Plan: ₹350 Per Year / ₹85 for 3 Months / ₹30 Per Month
- Access to live TV channels and movies
- Streaming on up to 2 devices in HD (720p) quality
Gold Plan: ₹30 Per Month
- Single-device streaming in SD (480p) quality
Users can download the app on Android and iOS or access it via the website. Subscription payments must be made through the official website.
Waves Content Highlights
Waves offers content across 12 languages, including Hindi, English, Tamil, Marathi, and Assamese.
– 65 Live TV Channels: News, entertainment, sports, devotional content
– Video-on-Demand: Movies like Aarakshan and Alice Darling, iconic shows like Ramayan and Shaktimaan
– Exclusive Content: New releases like Roll No.52 starring Nagarjuna and Fauji 2.0 with Gauhar Khan
– Live Events: Programs such as Mann Ki Baat, Ayodhya’s Prabhu Shriram Lalla Aarti, and international cricket tournaments like the US Premier League
– Interactive Features: Free-to-play games for kids and online shopping through ONDC integration
Waves OTT Features
1. Family-Friendly Content: Waves focuses on “clean” entertainment for all age groups.
2. Accessibility: Designed to reach rural India using BharatNet infrastructure under the Digital India initiative.
3. Support for Creators: Collaborations with creators like RJ Raunac and institutions like FTII to promote emerging talent.
4. Scalability: The platform can initially handle up to 10 million concurrent users, with plans to scale up to 100 million.
The Prasar Bharati OTT app 'WAVES' is now live on Android and iOS, allowing users to stream Doordarshan classics with no subscription required. Download the app today and enjoy family-friendly entertainment at your fingertips.
— DD News (@DDNewslive) November 21, 2024
Download now:
Android: https://t.co/KOhXFwQjHz… pic.twitter.com/LhkuyQoFWk
An Indian OTT Game-Changer
With its mix of free content supported by ads and premium subscription options, Waves is set to challenge established players like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
It is also set to bridge India’s digital divide. Its integration of live TV channels and additional services like gaming and e-commerce makes it the most comprehensive offering in the OTT market.
Are you excited about exploring Waves’ offerings? Which features do you think will make it stand out in India’s crowded OTT space?