Sprint Agrees To Offer FM On Smartphones

Tuning Into FM

SPRINT has pacted with representatives of the American radio industry that will enable SPRINT customers to listen to local FM radio stations on select ANDROID and WINDOWS smartphones during the next three years. FM radio could be delivered through the NEXTRADIO tuner application or other radio apps or services.

SPRINT is the first U.S. wireless carrier to offer the ability to access local FM radio on a broad array of its devices. As part of this plan, SPRINT customers could use their smartphones and the NEXTRADIO tuner to listen to local FM radio stations. The NEXTRADIO tuner is expected to be available later in 2013. Demonstrations of it is being offered at the CES.

"We look forward to bringing SPRINT customers another entertainment choice through NEXTRADIO," SPRINT SVP/Product Development and Operations FARED ADIB stated. "This new, easy-to-use service adds another dimension to the versatility of our wide array of smartphones and will deliver a new avenue for thousands of local radio stations across the country to reach our customers."

"This opportunity combines the strengths of the SPRINT network with the impact of AMERICA’s radio stations," NAB Pres. GORDON SMITH said. "It is the type of business-to-business partnership that recognizes the unique strengths of the wireless networks and the radio industry and provides services that are so important to the American people."

"This is a great development for the radio industry, one which will help us bring the content and services that only radio can provide to the wireless system," CLEAR CHANNEL CEO BOB PITTMAN noted. "It's an important benefit for consumers across America, and we are pleased to participate in this effort."

EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CEO JEFF SMULYAN, who acted as principal negotiator for the radio industry, added, "Today is a remarkable day for our industry. I am gratified by the unity I have seen in our industry. It seems every broadcaster I know has supported this effort, and I am grateful to the tireless efforts of industry leaders, from the largest companies to the owners of the smallest stations -- all of whom have helped us reach this agreement. While there is much work to be done, today is a critical first step."

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