This week, Pocket FM 2.0 has been launched. Pocket FM is a portable FM radio transmitter that enables people in crisis regions or developing countries to communicate without internet, mobile phones, television or when electricity is unavailable.
Despite technological innovation, local radio continues to be a vital source of information and entertainment in many regions. Throughout the developed world, people use television, newspapers and the internet to stay up-to-date but these sources are not an option in rural areas of developing countries. At times of disaster, war, and population displacement, local radio can provide updates which help save lives. This is where Pocket FM comes in.
The new version of the broadcasting system was launched on June 13th, at the Global Media Forum in Bonn.
Pocket FM has been developed by a Berlin based NGO, Media in Cooperation and Transition (MiCT) and has been so far in prototype testing in Syria, Iraq and Sierra Leone since early of 2015.
The control interface is kept as simple as possible, so even with very little experience in using electronic devices, it is possible to get on air within minutes.
Pocket FM also includes a satellite receiver, a Wi-Fi module, a GSM/3G module and a position tracker. Using radio over satellite as audio source is the easiest and most reliable way to provide live audio feed to Pocket FM, especially in remote areas without infrastructure, as no internet connection is required.
source:signis