Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) Director General, Daudi Suleman, says the Authority is satisfied with the ongoing process of FM frequency band reframing exercise which has created about 150 FM frequency spaces that can be allocated to new applicants.

He was speaking in Lilongwe on Tuesday during a press conference on the new frequency allocation exercise.

Suleman said they have successfully switched over to the new FM broadcasting network whereby some national radio stations are broadcasting using one or two frequencies countrywide.

“We have created space for new applicants. Radio stations in the country are now broadcasting on their new frequencies.

“It is a big milestone for the broadcasting sector as it will help to have scalable network for the radio stations. However, new applicants will wait for appointment of new MACRA board,” he said.

MACRA’s FM Spectrum Re-farming Project, which commenced in 2022, seeks to realise free channels in the 87.5 – 108 MHZ band to accommodate more licensees.

The new frequencies became effective on January 1, 2024.

Meanwhile, MACRA has embarked on a new campaign of ‘Tchingira’ where they want to protect devices from fraud as well as Muuni Fund Initiative.

Source:MANA