MACRA Halts Radio License Issuance for FM Frequency

LILONGWE, Malawi - The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has announced the suspension of new radio license issuance as part of an FM frequency refarming exercise, according to MACRA Director General Daudi Suleman, writes Elita Nkalo.

The exercise will involve the withdrawal of old frequencies and the re-issuance of new frequencies to radio stations across the country.

Suleman stated that the current frequencies have been depleted, leading to the regulator's inability to accommodate any new radio stations.

"Radios use a resource called a frequency, and in Malawi, there is a set number of frequencies that we can issue. As we speak now, the issuance of the frequencies has been depleted in both Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu," said Suleman.

An audit conducted by MACRA has revealed that there are currently fewer than 50 radio stations in Blantyre, despite the spectrum showing no available space for additional stations.

Suleman emphasized that addressing this issue requires a technical exercise that involves collaboration between MACRA as the regulator and players in the sector for a successful rebranding process.

Suleman expressed optimism that by December 2023, when the exercise is expected to conclude, MACRA will have issued at least 65 new radio stations in Lilongwe and Blantyre.

He believes that this will promote competition and bring new content to the public, among other benefits.

"We are hoping that this will create new space and an exciting moment for players and investors, which to us is growing, and that is the direction we want to take," said Suleman.