New Delhi: Prasar Bharati, RailTel Corporation of India, and PlayboxTV have collaborated to launch the Freedom Plan, an initiative aimed at expanding affordable internet access and digital content to rural and underserved areas in India. The plan, introduced under RailWire broadband, seeks to address the persistent digital divide in smaller towns and villages.
Priced at ₹299 per month, the Freedom Plan includes 30 Mbps broadband, 400+ live TV channels, access to Prasar Bharati’s OTT platform WAVES, and nine other premium OTT services. This move comes as part of a broader effort to improve digital infrastructure and make quality content accessible in remote regions. The announcement was made in the presence of key figures, including RailTel CMD Sanjai Kumar, Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi, and PlayboxTV Founder & CEO Aamir Mulani.
RailTel, which manages one of the largest optical fiber networks in India, will handle the operational and customer support aspects of the plan, including a multilingual 24/7 call center. According to Sanjai Kumar, the initiative aims to offer a holistic digital experience for families across different demographics, ensuring inclusivity in content offerings.
Prasar Bharati’s WAVES platform, a key component of the plan, features a range of live TV channels, movies, podcasts, e-books, and games. It combines classic programming such as Mahabharat and Ramayan with contemporary family-oriented content. The platform is accessible via Android, iOS, connected TVs, Firestick, and Chromecast, catering to a wide range of devices.
The Freedom Plan leverages RailTel’s expansive network, which covers 70% of India, to bring internet and digital services to areas where such access remains limited. Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi noted that the collaboration is aligned with the broadcaster’s goal of delivering culturally relevant content to underserved communities while supporting India’s digital transformation goals.
This partnership marks a significant step toward empowering rural populations by improving access to affordable broadband and quality digital content.
