radio-broadcast signal, he will state if persistent reception deficiencies thereof have been noted along the…
(No. B/1037) Mr M. Seeburn (Second Member for Vieux Grand Port & Rose Belle) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to radio-broadcast signal, he will state if persistent reception deficiencies thereof have been noted along the coastal road from Grand Port to Quatre Soeurs in respect of Radio Plus, Top FM and other licensed radio broadcasters and, if so, indicate – (a) under whose responsibility rests the obligation to ensure adequate radio-signal coverage thereat, and (b) whether measures are being envisaged to monitor, enforce or improve broadcast reception thereat and, if so, when same will be implemented.
Madam Speaker, I am informed by the Chief Executive Officer of MultiCarrier (Mauritius) Ltd that intermittent FM Radio reception in certain parts of the south-east region of Mauritius is a long-standing issue. This is due to the fact that certain regions, especially the coastal road in the south-east region are mountainous and therefore, the topography of the terrains result in sporadic FM Radio reception.
39 With regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed that the responsibility to ensure adequate radio and signal coverage rests with MultiCarrier (Mauritius) Ltd, a company established under section 28 of the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act. MCML acts as a multiplex operator and is responsible for ensuring both terrestrial radio and television transmission over the island of Mauritius, Rodrigues and Agaléga. Madam Speaker, as regards part (b) of the question, MCML is aware of the situation and is considering the possibility of installing a new FM Station in the south-east region to improve radio broadcast signal. MCML is in consultation with the Independent Broadcasting Authority and the Information and Communication Technologies Authority and all FM Radio operators for the allocation of specific FM Radio broadcast frequencies for that region. I am also informed that at present, MCML is undertaking preliminary test on the FM broadcast reception in the south-east region and the quality of FM reception in that region is expected to improve within the first quarter of 2026.
Thank you. That should be alright. The hon. Fourth Member for Port-Louis North & Montagne Longue! MAURITIUS ENTRY VISA – MR B. R. S. (EL CAPO) ARREST