What is a private radio in Mali?

Private radio are required to be members of URTEL, the radio union. The state-operated radio is ORTM (office de Radiodiffusion au Television de Mali), which operates 2 FM stations and 1 television station, with repeaters throughout the country.

How many radio stations are there in Mali?

The state-operated radio is ORTM (office de Radiodiffusion au Television de Mali), which operates 2 FM stations and 1 television station, with repeaters throughout the country. note: The shortwave station in Bamako has seven frequencies and five transmitters and relays broadcasts for China Radio International (2001) Radios: 570,000 (1997)

How many phone lines are there in Mali?

There are some 112,000 (2012) fixed line telephone lines in Mali, far outstripped by 14.613 million (2012) mobile cellular phone lines. There are two major mobile telephone operators, Ikatel (a subsidiary of Sonatel, of Senegal) and Malitel (a subsidiary of SOTELMA, the state owned telecommunications company).

How many Internet service providers are there in Mali?

Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 13 (2001). There are an estimated 25 private internet service providers. Recently an association has been formed called AFIM (Association de Fournisseurs de l'Internet au Mali), which is intended to represent these providers. SOTELMA the state telecom, provides X.25 and dial-up telephone services.

Why is communication important in Mali?

The infrastructure of communications in Mali, while underdeveloped, is crucial to the nation. Prior to the 19th century, the area which became Mali was crisscrossed by trade and communication links, the most important being the Niger River, and important southern terminals of the Trans-Saharan trade routes.

What is AFIM (Association de Fournisseurs de l'Internet au Mali)?

Recently an association has been formed called AFIM (Association de Fournisseurs de l'Internet au Mali), which is intended to represent these providers. SOTELMA the state telecom, provides X.25 and dial-up telephone services. Many operators offer dial-up internet service, and wireless internet services.