Prasar Bharati, RailTel and PlayboxTV launch ‘Freedom Plan’ for rural India

Prasar Bharati, RailTel Corporation of India, and PlayboxTV have teamed up to launch the ‘Freedom Plan’ on RailWire broadband, aimed at delivering affordable internet and entertainment to underserved areas in India, including rural regions and smaller cities. The announcement was made in the presence of Aamir Mulani, Founder & CEO of PlayboxTV; Sanjai Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director of RailTel; and Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati.

The Freedom Plan combines broadband service with OTT content, designed to address the digital divide by offering high-speed internet and a rich variety of entertainment content in areas where quality services are often lacking. Available for Rs 299 per month, the plan offers 30 Mbps internet, 400+ live TV channels, over 200 games, and access to Prasar Bharati’s new OTT platform, WAVES, along with nine other premium OTT services.

Aamir Mulani, Founder & CEO of PlayboxTV, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating that the plan provides an ideal blend of entertainment for every household in India. “The Freedom Plan is packed with great content, including Prasar Bharati’s WAVES platform. At just Rs 299, it offers an unbeatable value proposition for customers,” he said.

RailTel’s Freedom Plan is an effort to bridge the digital divide, bringing affordable and high-quality internet to rural and remote areas, contributing to India’s vision of becoming a knowledge-driven economy. Sanjai Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director of RailTel, highlighted the plan’s inclusivity, stating it provides content for all age groups, making it perfect for families across the country.

Prasar Bharati’s WAVES platform, available on Android, iOS, connected TVs, Firestick, and Chromecast, offers a range of live TV channels, movies, TV shows, podcasts, e-books, and games. The platform features classic shows like Mahabharat, Ramayan, and Shaktiman, as well as new family-oriented content. RailTel will manage the operations, maintenance, and customer support for WAVES, including a multilingual 24x7 call centre.

Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating that WAVES, along with RailTel’s widespread network, will help reach a broader audience, especially in remote and rural areas. This initiative aligns with Prasar Bharati’s goal of providing high-quality, culturally relevant entertainment to all corners of India.

With RailTel’s extensive optical fiber network covering 70% of the country, the Freedom Plan marks a significant step in bringing high-speed internet and digital content to underserved populations, helping millions access quality services and empowering them in India’s digital transformation.