The Indian government has issued an advisory this week to mobile phone makers in the country to ensure that FM radio is enabled and easily accessible on all smartphones. This move is aimed at bridging the digital divide and making radio services accessible to people in rural and remote areas who cannot afford standalone radio sets.

Additionally, this will ensure that people have access to information and entertainment through radio services, particularly during emergencies and disasters.

The advisory was issued by the government to the Indian Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) along with the Manufacturers’ Association for Information Technology (MAIT).

The IT ministry has advised that the FM radio function or feature should not be disabled or deactivated if it is inbuilt into mobile phones. Moreover, if it is not included in mobile phones, the feature should be included in the device.

According to the IT ministry, there has been a significant decline in mobile phones with FM radio in recent years. This has severely impacted the lower-income population who rely on free FM radio services and also hampers the government’s ability to send out real-time information during emergencies, disasters, and calamities.

The IT ministry has expressed their opinions for speedy, and reliable communication via FM-enabled mobile phones, in addition to the standalone radio sets and car receivers, during a disaster as it can save precious lives and livelihoods.

Therefore, there is a need for fast, reliable communication through FM-enabled mobile phones during disasters, in addition to standalone radio sets and car receivers, to save lives, protect livelihoods, and prepare people to cope better with disasters.

This move by the Indian government is a step towards providing access to important information and entertainment services to all citizens, particularly those in rural and remote areas.