Government mandates FM radio on all smartphones in India for emergency

The Indian government has issued an advisory to make FM radio mandatory on all smartphones sold in the country. The Ministry of Information and Technology (IT) issued this advisory stating that FM radio should be included in all phones sold in India, and it cannot be disabled.

Government mandates FM radio details

The IT Ministry’s advisory highlighted the importance of radio during emergencies, such as natural disasters or other critical situations. The advisory stated that FM radio is a low-cost and reliable mode of communication in case of emergencies, and it is one of the oldest, most effective, and most powerful ways to provide early warnings and alerts to the public during disasters.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has recognized radio broadcasting as an essential tool for providing early warnings and alerts during emergencies and disasters. FM-enabled mobile phones can play a crucial role in delivering fast, reliable communication during disasters, in addition to standalone radio sets and car receivers.

The government’s decision to make radio mandatory on all smartphones sold in India is a significant step toward promoting public safety and emergency preparedness. The inclusion of FM radio in all mobile devices ensures that people have access to timely and accurate information during critical situations.

Moreover, radio is a cost-effective mode of communication that can reach a large population. Radio signals can penetrate buildings and work even when the power goes out. In remote areas, where internet connectivity is poor, and there is a lack of electricity, FM radio can still reach people, providing them with important information during emergencies.

The IT Ministry’s advisory is not only a significant step towards promoting public safety but also towards encouraging the use of radio. The inclusion of FM radio in all smartphones sold in India will provide people with access to entertainment, news, and music at no additional cost. It is also an excellent move for the radio broadcasting industry, which has seen a decline in popularity in recent years.

The government’s decision to make FM radio mandatory on all smartphones sold in India is a step in the right direction towards promoting public safety and emergency preparedness. The inclusion of FM radio in all mobile devices ensures that people have access to timely and accurate information during critical situations. It is a cost-effective mode of communication that can reach a large population, especially in remote areas where internet connectivity is poor.