Andhra Pradesh to Pioneer Direct to Mobile (D2M) Technology with Khush Tech Collaboration
VIJAYAWADA, July 11, 2025 — Andhra Pradesh is set to become a global frontrunner in digital innovation as IT, Electronics and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh announced plans to introduce the revolutionary Direct to Mobile (D2M) technology in the state. This strategic initiative aims to bridge the persistent digital divide in remote and challenging terrains across Andhra Pradesh.
In a significant development, Minister Lokesh held a high-level meeting with Eric Shin, CEO of South Korea’s Khush Tech Company and the innovator behind the D2M technology. During this engagement, Lokesh extended a formal invitation to Khush Tech to establish a manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh dedicated to producing D2M-enabled feature phones and tablets. This move is expected to facilitate affordable access to advanced communication technologies for the economically disadvantaged sections of society.
Reaching Remote and Underserved Areas
Minister Lokesh underscored the importance of deploying D2M technology specifically in the state’s remote villages, tribal belts, forested areas, and hilly regions—zones traditionally plagued with poor internet connectivity and communication infrastructure. By introducing this technology, the government aims to overcome longstanding barriers that have limited digital access and opportunities for these communities.
Developed through collaborative efforts led by IIT Kanpur and supported by Prasar Bharati and the Department of Telecommunications, D2M allows live television broadcasts, internet access, and voice calls to be made without the need for SIM cards, Wi-Fi, or mobile data networks. This breakthrough innovation offers a cost-effective and reliable communication alternative, even in locations with weak or intermittent signal availability.
Transformative Potential for Communication and Governance
The adoption of D2M technology promises far-reaching benefits including real-time dissemination of government schemes, civic services, weather alerts, and disaster warnings. Additionally, it is poised to revolutionize rural education and agricultural planning by providing vital resources and updates directly to users, fostering greater community engagement and development.
Minister Lokesh affirmed the state government’s full support to facilitate Khush Tech’s investment, including assistance with land allocation, securing necessary permissions, and providing essential infrastructure via Andhra Pradesh’s streamlined single-window clearance system. He also committed to working closely with the Central government to accelerate all required approvals for the nationwide rollout of D2M technology.
A Vision of Inclusive Innovation
During the meeting, Lokesh reviewed prototype D2M devices and hailed the contributions of the Khush Tech team members including Jung Hoon Kim, Sarin Suvarna, Shashi Doppalapudi, and Sagar Doddapaneni. The initiative is in line with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s overarching vision to harness technological innovation in governance—a legacy that Minister Lokesh is actively furthering.
The planned manufacturing unit will focus on producing low-cost devices tailored for the economically weaker populations, ensuring that the benefits of digital connectivity are accessible to the broadest possible audience. By enabling reliable, real-time communication in infrastructure-challenged areas, D2M technology is expected to fundamentally transform Andhra Pradesh’s communication landscape and solidify the state’s position as a hub for advanced technology investments and inclusive digital progress.
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