The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) has said the radio spectrum refarming exercise it conducted from late 2022 up to early this year has been successful.
Spectrum refarming refers to the process of reallocating or repurposing radio frequency spectrum from one use to another in order to maximise its efficiency and capacity.
This is often done by regulatory authorities or network operators to adapt to changing technological advancements and the increasing demand for wireless comunication services.
Speaking in Lilongwe on Tuesday, Macra Board Member Stella Chuthi said the refarming process has resulted in the creation of 70 new spaces which can accommodate new radio operators.
Before the refarming, the spectrum was congested and Macra could not accommodate any new operator.
Macra Director General Daud Suleman said the additional space created would mean more jobs for Malawians as the additional radios would recruit new personnel to manage them.
During the event, Macra, through the Universal Service Fund (USF), presented grants totalling K86 million to content creators to help them in the generation of more local content.
Head of USF Ronald Tembo said they would be calling for applications, for the second round of the grants will see them presenting K100 million worth of grants.
Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu said government appreciates the role that radio station play in the development of the country through educating, entertaining and informing the masses.
