Big challenge for Mukesh Ambani’s Jiostar, Netflix as government launches OTT platform, offering 65 live channels; Check features, details

Gvernment-owned Prasar Bharati has launched its own OTT platform, Waves, which could pose a tough challenge to popular OTT platforms in the country such as Mukesh Ambani-owned Jiotstar, Netflix, and Jeff Bezos’ Amazon Prime.

In a significant move which could change the landscape of India’s thriving streaming services market, government-owned Prasar Bharati has launched its own OTT platform which could pose a tough challenge to popular OTT platforms in the country such as Mukesh Ambani-owned JioStar, Netflix, and Jeff Bezos’ Amazon Prime.

The OTT platform, WAVES, was launched by Prasar Bharati at the recently held 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). According to details, the Waves app will be available in various Indian languages. The OTT app is available on Google Play Store as well as the Apple Store for iPhone users, and does not require a subscription.

“WAVES is here! The platform aims to revive nostalgia while embracing modern digital trends by offering a rich mix of classic content and contemporary programming,” Prasar Bharti wrote in a post on X, adding that the platform makes its entry as a large aggregator OTT with “Inclusive India stories embracing Indian culture with an international outlook, in 12+ Languages”.

Waves features, offerings

According to an official release, Waves will offer video-on-demand, free-to-play gaming, live TV streaming of as many as 65 live channels, apps for video and gaming content, as well online shopping services. WAVES does not require a subscription and also offers users the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) facilities.

The Waves app is currently available in more than 12 languages, with more Indian languages planned in the future. As per Prasar Bharati, the app has been built keeping in mind the country’s diverse range of tastes, which vary from one region to another.

Can Waves challenge JioStar, Netflix, Amazon Prime?

Mukesh Ambani-led JioStar, Jeff Bezos’ Amazon Prime, and global streaming giant Netflix, are some of the biggest names which dominate India’s OTT market, and it will be interesting to see if Prasar Bharati’s Waves can pose a challenge for these goliaths which are backed by big money private players.

One thing which separates Waves from other OTTs is that the app is free and does not require a subscription, which gives it a slight edge when it comes to pricing as users don’t need to pay anything to watch OTT content.

However, its the content which will decide if the platform sinks or swims as its competitors are known for their wide range of programming and original content.