A New Era in Indian Digital Entertainment
On November 21, 2024, Prasar Bharati, India’s national public broadcaster, unveiled its over-the-top (OTT) platform, WAVES, at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inaugurated the platform, highlighting its potential to revolutionize the Indian entertainment landscape. WAVES aims to bridge the digital divide, offering diverse and inclusive content to audiences across the nation.
Diverse Content Offering
WAVES boasts an extensive content library, featuring over 65 live TV channels and a vast array of on-demand content. The platform offers programming in more than 12 languages, including Hindi, English, Tamil, Marathi, and Assamese, ensuring accessibility to a wide demographic. Viewers can enjoy a variety of genres such as infotainment, education, gaming, and shopping, all under one roof.
Subscription Plans and Pricing
To cater to different user preferences, WAVES offers three subscription tiers:
- Platinum Plan: Priced at ₹999 per year, this plan provides access to all content, including live TV, movies, and exclusive shows, with Ultra HD (1080P) streaming quality. It supports simultaneous streaming on up to four devices and offers offline downloads, radio access, and background play functionality.
- Diamond Plan: Available at ₹350 per year, ₹85 for three months, or ₹30 per month, this plan offers HD (720P) streaming quality, access to live channels, movies, and on-demand content, with support for up to two devices.
- Gold Plan: Priced at ₹350 per year, ₹85 for three months, or ₹30 per month, this plan provides Standard Definition (480P) streaming quality, with access to live TV and radio on a single device.
Innovative Features and Collaborations
WAVES stands out with its innovative features and strategic collaborations. The platform integrates with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), enabling users to engage in online shopping seamlessly. Additionally, WAVES supports free-to-play games and offers live events such as the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ broadcast and the Ayodhya Prabhu Shriram Lalla Aarti. The platform also collaborates with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) to promote cybersecurity awareness.
Empowering Local Creators
In line with its commitment to fostering local talent, WAVES provides a platform for emerging creators. The platform features content from National Creator Awardees like Kamiya Jani, RJ Raunac, and Shraddha Sharma. Furthermore, WAVES partners with film schools such as the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and Annapurna Studios to showcase student films, nurturing the next generation of filmmakers.
Accessibility and User Experience
WAVES is designed to be user-friendly and accessible. The platform is available on both Android and iOS devices, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of smartphones and tablets. Users can download the app for free, with subscription payments currently processed through the official website, WAVES.pb, as in-app purchases are not yet supported.
Looking Ahead
WAVES represents a significant step in Prasar Bharati’s digital transformation journey. By offering a comprehensive and diverse range of content, the platform aims to cater to the evolving entertainment needs of Indian audiences. As it continues to grow and evolve, WAVES is poised to become a central hub for digital entertainment in India, promoting inclusivity, diversity, and innovation in the digital age.
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