The Central government has recently issued instructions to phone manufacturers that mobile phones must have FM radio facility. It is necessary to make information and entertainment available to all people. Moreover, it said that FM radio services become crucial in cases of emergencies, calamities and accidents. To this extent, the IT Ministry has issued written instructions to the mobile manufacturers’ associations such as the Indian Cellular and Electronics Association and the Manufacturers Association of Information Technology. It also said that FM radios play a vital role in bridging the digital divide between rural and urban areas.

The IT Ministry has stated in its notices that they have noticed the lack of FM radio facility in mobile phones in recent times. This is having a negative effect on the poor people. It is said that poor people rely on FM radio for government information during emergencies, natural calamities and accidents. The IT Ministry has also clarified in its notices that apart from smartphones, standalone radios and radio receivers in cars are also required.