By Ankita Chakravarti: The Indian government has issued an advisory to mobile phone manufacturers to make FM radio easily accessible on smartphones. This move will ensure that people have access to information and entertainment through radio services, especially during emergencies and disasters. The step is being taken to bridge the digital divide and make radio services accessible to people in rural and remote areas who cannot afford standalone radio sets.
The IT ministry has issued an advisory to the Indian Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) and the Manufacturers’ Association for Information Technology (MAIT) to ensure that FM radio is accessible during emergencies and disasters. The advisory is not only aimed at providing radio services to the poor, but also at ensuring that FM connectivity is accessible to everyone during critical times.
“ It should be ensured that wherever the mobile phone is equipped with an inbuilt FM Radio receiver function or feature, that function or feature is not disabled or deactivated but is kept enabled/activated in the mobile phone. Further, it is advised that if the FM Radio receiver function or feature is not available in the mobile phones, it may be included,” the advisory issued by the IT ministry said.
The IT ministry noted that it has observed a significant decline in mobile phones with FM radio in recent years. This has negatively impacted the poor who rely on free FM radio services as well as the government’s ability to send out real-time information during emergencies, disasters, and calamities. The IT ministry has highlighted the need for speedy, timely, and reliable communication via FM-enabled mobile phones, in addition to standalone radio sets and car receivers, during disasters, as it can save precious lives, livelihoods and prepare users to deal better with such events.
The advisory cited the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which has recommended including radio in smartphones. According to the ITU, radio broadcasting is one of the most powerful and effective ways to provide early warnings and alerts to the public during emergencies and disasters. The advisory highlighted the need for fast, reliable communication through FM-enabled mobile phones during disasters, in addition to standalone radio sets and car receivers. This is crucial to saving lives, protecting livelihoods, and preparing people to cope better with disasters.
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