Maputo, 14 Feb (AIM) – The Mozambique National Communications Institute (INCM), the regulatory body for telecommunications, has allowed three radio stations whose broadcasts were suspended earlier this month to resume their transmissions.
The radio stations in question are Encontro (owned by the Catholic church), Haq and Vida, which are viewed as critical of the government and of the ruling Frelimo party.
According to an INCM statement, the decision to shut down the three community radio stations is related to the allegation that there is an “interference of radio signals with communications from the control tower at Nampula Airport, as well as with aircraft approaching the airport.”
This made no sense since Radio Encontro had been operating for about 30 years with no complaints that it was interfering with aircraft navigations.
According to a report in the Quelimane-based electronic paper, “Jornal Txopela”, the INCM imposed restrictions on Radio Encontro as a condition for its reopening. It has demanded a reduction in the power of its transmitter, although the radio is still authorised to operate on the frequency of 101.9 MHz.
“Txopela” said the decision was announced after an eight hour meeting at which the INCM argued that reducing the potency of Radio Encontro would be necessary to ensure that its broadcasts did not interfere with aeronautical systems.
The radio management has accepted this, and promised to pay greater attention to technical aspects in future.
Radio Vida and Radio Haq were allowed to reopen on the same frequencies as before and without any other restrictions.
The INCM gave no further details, but promised to issue an official statement after it signed agreements with the three radio stations.
(AIM)
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