The Indian government has recently issued an advisory to mobile phone manufacturers, urging them to not disable the FM radio feature by default in smartphones. The decision comes after the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) observed a “drastic fall” in the availability of FM tuner feature in mobile phones. According to the advisory, mobile phone manufacturers should make efforts to provide the FM radio service on phones where it is not present by default.
The Importance of FM Radio Access on Smartphones
The government’s decision to ensure smartphones has prompted the access of FM radio. Only by the thought of providing radio services to the poor. But also to ensure that FM connectivity is accessible during calamities and disasters. The FM broadcast is a robust and reliable communication system that serves as an important communication link between the local authorities and people in times of natural disasters. In times of emergencies and disasters, radio broadcasting is one of the most powerful and effective ways of delivering early warnings and alerting the public to save lives.
According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), there is a need for speedy, timely, and reliable communication via FM-enabled mobile phones – apart from the regular standalone radio sets and car receivers – during disasters as it can save precious lives, livelihood, and prepare users to deal better with the disasters.
The Impact of Disabling the FM Radio Feature
The government’s decision to issue an advisory to mobile phone manufacturers is significant. Because the disabling of the FM radio feature had an impact on the central government’s ability to disseminate real-time information. During times of emergencies, disasters, and calamities, the FM radio service. Plays a crucial role in communicating important updates and instructions to the public. With the FM radio feature disabled government’s is not able to reach out to people in real-time.
The advisory stated that the drastic fall in FM tuners feature has affected. The ability of the poor to get free FM Radio services but also the government’s ability to disseminate real-time information during emergencies, disasters, and calamities. Hence, it is crucial to ensure that wherever the mobile phone is equipped. With an inbuilt radio receiver function or feature. That function or feature is not disabled or deactivated but is kept enabled/activated in the mobile phone.
The IT Ministry’s Advisory to Mobile Phone Manufacturers
The advisory issued by the IT ministry has been sent to the Indian Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA). As well as Manufacturers’ Association for Information Technology (MAIT). The advisory has urged mobile phone manufacturers. To ensure that the FM radio feature is not disabled by default in smartphones. Further, it is advised that if the radio receiver function or feature is not available in the mobile phones, it may be included.
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The IT ministry has also asked the phone manufacturing companies’ associations to circulate this advisory among its members. The advisory is significant because it shows the government’s commitment. To ensuring that people have access to the FM radio service on their smartphones, especially during times of emergencies and disasters.
The Indian government’s decision to issue an advisory to mobile phone manufacturers. It is a significant step in not disabling the the FM radio feature by default in smartphones. Towards ensuring that people have access to the FM radio service during times of emergencies and disasters. The FM broadcast is a robust and reliable communication system. That plays a crucial role in communicating important updates and instructions to the public. With the FM radio feature enabled on smartphones. The government’s ability to reach out to people in real-time during emergencies, disasters, and calamities.
