Prasar Bharati launches its OTT app Waves on World Television Day; know its subscription plans, cost, content, and more

Prasar Bharati has launched its new over-the-top (OTT) streaming platform, Waves, designed to provide a variety of content to viewers across India. This platform aims to offer a wide range of entertainment, including movies, TV series, live events, games, and even educational material. Waves is accessible in 12 languages, including Hindi, English, Tamil, Marathi, and Assamese, making it a multilingual service suitable for a diverse audience.

Subscription Plans and Pricing

Waves offers several subscription plans to cater to different user preferences. Each plan comes with distinct features and pricing to suit varying needs:

Platinum Plan

Cost: Rs 999 per year

Features: This is the most comprehensive plan. It gives access to all content, including movies, live shows, TV specials, and more. Users can stream on up to 4 devices simultaneously and enjoy Ultra HD (1080P) quality. Additional benefits include downloads, live TV channels, radio access, and background play. You also get 10% off on Video-on-Demand (TVOD) services.

Diamond Plan

Cost: Rs 350 per year or Rs 85 for three months or Rs 30 per month

Features: This plan provides access to movies, live TV channels, and other content. You can connect up to 2 devices and stream in High Definition (720P) quality. Like the Platinum plan, it also offers downloads, live TV, and radio access.

Gold Plan

Cost: Available under the Diamond plan's rates, but with a single device stream and Standard Definition (480P) quality. It also includes radio and live TV access.

What Does Waves Offer?

Waves offers an extensive range of content across various genres to keep viewers entertained. The platform’s key offerings include:

65 live TV channels: You can watch live news, entertainment, and sports content.
Video-on-demand services: Watch movies, series, and shows at your convenience.
Interactive games: Enjoy a range of games for fun and entertainment.
Online shopping: Waves has partnered with ONDC to offer shopping options.

Photo galleries/ebooks: You can explore historical milestones and national legends through visuals and ebooks.

Accessible to All

One of the core goals of the Waves platform is to increase digital inclusion. The app aims to make digital entertainment accessible to even rural communities. It utilizes BharatNet, which is part of the Digital India initiative, to ensure that people from across the country can access quality content, regardless of their location.

Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, highlighted how Waves supports the government's vision of a Digital India, ensuring that remote communities are not left behind in the digital age.

Support for Young Creators

Waves is also dedicated to promoting emerging talent in the Indian entertainment industry. The platform works with creators like Kamiya Jani and RJ Raunac and partners with film institutions such as the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and Annapurna College. This collaboration helps showcase the work of young students, giving them a platform to gain exposure and recognition.

Exclusive Content and Live Events

The launch of Waves coincided with the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, where exclusive content was unveiled. Some of the notable shows and films available include Roll No.52, starring Nagarjuna and Amala Akkineni, and Fauji 2.0 with Gauhar Khan. Waves also plans to air animated series, crime dramas, and music shows.

In addition to on-demand content, Waves integrates live events into its platform. It broadcasts programs like Mann Ki Baat and religious events like Ayodhya’s Prabhu Shriram Lalla Aarti. The platform also covers international cricket tournaments, including the US Premier League.

Where to Download Waves

Waves can be downloaded on Android from the Google Play Store and on iOS from the Apple App Store. However, note that payments for subscriptions need to be made via the official website (Waves.pb), as the app does not currently support in-app payment features.