Prasar Bharati Launches WAVES OTT Platform for Digital Streaming
On November 21, 2024, Prasar Bharati, India’s state-run public broadcaster, launched its new OTT platform called WAVES, marking a big step into the world of digital streaming. The launch was announced on World Television Day at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, and the Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, officially launched the platform.
Key Features of WAVES
WAVES offers a mix of old favorites and new content, bringing you programming in over 12 languages, such as Hindi, English, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, and more. The platform covers more than 10 different types of content, including news, entertainment, sports, and education.
Here are some main features you can expect from WAVES:
- Video on demand: Watch your favorite shows anytime, anywhere.
- Free-to-play gaming: Enjoy games for free.
- Live TV streaming: Access 65 live channels.
- Radio streaming: Listen to live radio stations.
- App integrations: Access videos and games easily through other apps.
- Online shopping: Buy items through the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
WAVES also supports new creators by featuring content from National Creator Awardees like Kamiya Jani and RJ Raunac. It will also showcase films made by students from top film schools such as FTII and Annapurna.
Content on WAVES
The platform features a range of exciting content, including:
- Roll No. 52: A student project from Annapurna Film and Media Studio.
- Fauji 2.0: A new version of the classic 1980s series starring Shah Rukh Khan.
- Kicking Balls: Produced by Oscar-winning Guneet Monga Kapoor.
- Jackson Halt: A thrilling crime series.
- Jaiye Aap Kahan Jayenge: A documentary focusing on mobile toilets.
WAVES also streams live events, including the Prabhu Shriram Lalla Aarti from Ayodhya, Mann Ki Baat by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the US Premier League Cricket Tournament, starting November 22, 2024.
A Wide Range of Shows
WAVES caters to all types of viewers, offering diverse content like:
- Monkey King: The Hero is Back – A thrilling fantasy action series.
- Bhed Bharam: A thriller by Vipul Shah.
- Thode Door Thode Paas: A heartwarming family drama featuring Pankaj Kapoor.
- Women-focused films: Such as Corporate Sarpanch and Dashmi.
- Popular animation shows like Chota Bheem and Akbar Birbal.
WAVES also offers live channels from Doordarshan, Akashvani, and other private broadcasters, covering news, entertainment, sports, and more.
Government Collaborations
WAVES also works with government ministries to bring important content, such as:
- A documentary celebrating 75 years of the Supreme Court of India.
- A project called Cinemas of India from the National Film Development Corporation.
- Historical content from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Pricing and Availability
The WAVES app is free to download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Most of the content is free, but there are subscription plans for premium content:
- Platinum Plan: ₹999/year
- 1080P streaming
- Access on up to 4 devices
- Downloads, live TV, and radio
- Diamond Plan: ₹350/year, ₹85 for 3 months, ₹30/month
- 720P streaming
- Access on 2 devices
- Gold Plan: ₹350/year, ₹85 for 3 months, ₹30/month
- 480P streaming
- Access on 1 device
Subscriptions can be purchased through wavespb.com, as in-app payments aren’t available yet.
WAVES is a promising new platform offering a mix of entertainment, education, and live events. If you want to explore it, download the app and check it out
