Smart TVs sold in India may soon come with Prasar Bharati’s OTT app, WAVES, already installed. According to a report by The New Indian Express, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting plans to write to television manufacturers requesting them to pre-load the app on their devices.
WAVES is a streaming platform launched by India’s public broadcaster to offer family-friendly entertainment. The app was introduced after a tender process in 2023 and was officially launched during a film festival. In November 2025, Prasar Bharati also invited satellite TV channels to join the platform under a pay-per-view model, where viewers pay to watch specific content.
If TV makers agree to the request, users will find the WAVES app available on their smart TVs right out of the box, without needing to download it separately. This could help the platform reach more viewers across the country, especially those who prefer watching content on larger screens.
At the moment, there is no official announcement from the ministry or Prasar Bharati about the financial or technical details of the arrangement. It is also unclear when the pre-installation will begin or which TV brands will take part.
The move comes as part of the government’s broader efforts to expand the reach of its digital services and make public broadcasting content more accessible to audiences through modern platforms.
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