Here are the various FM radio stations which can be listened to in Mauritius. The indicated frequencies are those which I use in Quatre-Bornes (i.e. the centre). I have also added a “separation” column, which is simply the difference in frequency compared to the immediately above radio. For example, the frequency of NRJ Maurice is 3.1MHz more than that of Radio Plus.
| Separation | Frequency | FM radio station |
|---|---|---|
| – | 87.70 | Radio Plus |
| 3.1 | 90.80 | NRJ Maurice |
| 2.4 | 93.20 | Radio France Internationale (RFI) |
| 0.8 | 94.00 | Taal FM |
| 2.1 | 96.10 | Planet FM |
| 1.2 | 97.30 | Kool FM |
| 1.9 | 99.20 | France Inter (Réunion Island) |
| 0.2 | 99.40 | Best FM |
| 1.4 | 100.80 | Radio One |
| 2.4 | 103.20 | Wazaa FM |
| 1.2 | 104.40 | Top FM |
While doing this calculation, I realised that France Inter (which is broadcasted from Réunion Island and which therefore has a weak signal) is just 0.2MHz distant from Best FM (which has a very strong signal). Personally, I believe that this 0.2MHz might explain why when I am travelling towards the University of Mauritius, for example, France Inter is slowly “covered” by another station. This might well be Best FM…
Anyway, from this post on Frequency Modulation, FM Sidebands & Bandwidth, I have learned that 0.2MHz is the minimum acceptable frequency separation. Their exact words are: “To take the example of a typical broadcast FM signal that has a deviation of ±75kHz and a maximum modulation frequency of 15 kHz, the bandwidth of 98% of the power approximates to 2 (75 + 15) = 180kHz. To provide conveniently spaced channels 200 kHz is allowed for each station.”
Maybe I should offer a small advice to MBC and MTML: Change the frequency of Best FM to 100.00MHz and everyone will be happy :-)
