The central government of India has issued an advisory to mobile phone manufacturers, urging them not to disable the frequency modulation (FM) feature on devices equipped with FM receivers and tuners. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) emphasized that companies without FM capabilities should make efforts to provide the service, as reported by ET based on a copy of the advisory.
The decision to disable FM radios on mobile devices has raised concerns regarding the government’s ability to disseminate real-time information during emergencies. The advisory was sent to mobile phone manufacturers’ associations, including the Indian Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) and the Manufacturers’ Association for Information Technology (MAIT).
MeitY’s advisory highlights the significant decline in the number of FM tuners and its adverse impact on the underprivileged population’s access to free FM radio services. FM broadcasts serve as crucial communication links between local authorities and the public, especially during natural disasters.
FM, or Frequency Modulation, is a widely used signal modulation technique for broadcasting sound waves over long distances. FM radios typically operate between 87.5 MHz and 108.5 MHz, offering a greater range compared to mobile networks and enabling reception in areas with limited mobile connectivity.
While the popularity of FM for entertainment purposes has diminished in recent years, its utility in rapidly disseminating public information remains significant. In emergency situations, such as natural disasters, the government can swiftly broadcast messages carrying potentially life-saving information across a wide area.
India still has numerous operational radio channels. All India Radio, the state-owned broadcaster, maintains 262 radio stations across the country, covering 92% of India’s landmass, according to Prasar Bharati. Additionally, as of June 30, 2022, there were 388 private radio stations operating in the country, as stated in the 2022-23 Economic Survey.
The advisory serves as a reminder of the importance of FM radio in delivering critical information to the public, and it encourages mobile phone manufacturers to retain FM functionality in their devices or explore ways to incorporate it. By preserving FM capabilities, the government aims to ensure efficient communication channels and timely dissemination of vital information during emergencies.
