In a groundbreaking move to promote digital inclusion, RailTel Corporation of India, Prasar Bharati, and PlayboxTV have launched the “Freedom Plan,” a high-speed internet and OTT entertainment package tailored to the needs of underserved regions, including tier-2 and tier-3 cities as well as rural areas. The plan, priced at just ₹299 per month, aims to provide affordable internet and premium content to millions of households, addressing the digital divide that still exists in many parts of India.
The Freedom Plan offers a robust package, providing access to over 10 popular OTT platforms, including Prasar Bharati’s newly launched Waves OTT platform, which features a mix of classic shows such as Ramayan, Mahabharat, and Shaktiman, along with modern entertainment options. In addition, subscribers will enjoy access to more than 400 live TV channels, 200+ games, and 30 Mbps high-speed internet. This makes it an ideal family entertainment solution, offering content suitable for children, adults, and senior citizens alike.
RailTel, known for its RailWire broadband service, has long aimed to extend affordable internet services to underserved regions. The Freedom Plan takes this mission further by bundling high-speed internet with OTT entertainment, which is rapidly gaining popularity across India. This collaboration between RailTel, Prasar Bharati, and PlayboxTV is a significant step towards achieving India’s vision of becoming a knowledge-driven economy, while also promoting digital literacy and empowerment in rural and remote areas.
For Prasar Bharati, the launch of the Waves OTT platform is a milestone in its transition into the digital era. The platform aims to offer a mix of culturally relevant content alongside global entertainment options, making it accessible to a wide range of audiences, especially in rural and remote areas. The Freedom Plan allows users to access this content at an affordable price, contributing to a more inclusive entertainment experience across the country.
Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “The Freedom Plan, combined with the extensive reach of RailTel and the content aggregation power of PlayboxTV, will enable us to connect with a broader audience and provide high-quality, culturally-rich entertainment to every part of India.”
Affordable Entertainment for All Ages
The Freedom Plan offers content for every age group, from children to adults and senior citizens, ensuring that it becomes an ideal choice for family consumption. The package’s affordability—₹299 per month—makes it a viable option for households in rural areas, where access to both internet and entertainment has traditionally been limited.
Aamir Mulani, Founder and CEO of PlayboxTV, expressed his pride in being the first OTT aggregation platform to partner with Prasar Bharati for the launch of Waves OTT. “The Freedom Plan, with its rich content offering, is the perfect entertainment package for every household in India,” said Mulani.
Sanjai Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director of RailTel, added, “Our mission at RailTel is to bring affordable internet to underserved areas. By offering this plan, we are making a significant step towards achieving a digitally empowered society.”
With the launch of the Freedom Plan, the collaboration between RailTel, Prasar Bharati, and PlayboxTV marks an important milestone in the effort to bridge the digital divide in India. The plan is not just about providing internet; it’s about offering a comprehensive digital experience, ensuring that even the remotest corners of the country have access to high-speed internet and high-quality entertainment.
Credit: This article is based on information from The Economic Times, Times of India, and NDTV.
Step 4: Summary
- RailTel, Prasar Bharati, and PlayboxTV launch the ₹299 ‘Freedom Plan’ to bring high-speed internet and OTT entertainment to underserved regions in India.
- The plan includes access to 10 OTT platforms, 400+ live TV channels, 200+ games, and 30 Mbps internet, making it a cost-effective family entertainment solution.
- The partnership aims to bridge the digital divide and empower rural and remote areas with affordable connectivity and premium content.
- Prasar Bharati’s Waves OTT platform offers a mix of classic and modern shows, enhancing cultural engagement for a wide audience.