FCC Chairman Ajit Pai Calls On Apple To Activate FM Chips In iPhones

Ajit Pai

FCC Chairman AJIT PAI has issued a statement calling on APPLE to activate FM tuner chips in iPhones.

The statement read, “In recent years, I have repeatedly called on the wireless industry to activate the FM chips that are already installed in almost all smartphones sold in the UNITED STATES. And, I’ve specifically pointed out the public safety benefits of doing so. In fact, in my first public speech after I became Chairman, I observed that ‘[y]ou could make a case for activating chips on public safety grounds alone.’ When wireless networks go down during a natural disaster, smartphones with activated FM chips can allow AMERICANS to get vital access to life-saving information. I applaud those companies that have done the right thing by activating the FM chips in their phones.

“APPLE is the one major phone manufacturer that has resisted doing so. But I hope the company will reconsider its position, given the devastation wrought by Hurricanes HARVEY, IRMA and MARIA. That’s why I am asking APPLE to activate the FM chips that are in its iPHONES. It is time for APPLE to step up to the plate and put the safety of the American people first. As the SUN SENTINEL of SOUTH FLORIDA put it, ‘Do the right thing, Mr. COOK. Flip the switch. Lives depend on it.’”

One possible complication would be the lack of a headphone jack on iPHONE models since the 7 and 7 Plus; FM chips use headphone cables as antennae, but the newer iPHONES require an adapter for use with their Lightning connectors for corded headphone use.

NAB: Yay

Unsurprisingly, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS was cheered by PAI's statement, with NAB President and CEO GORDON SMITH saying, “NAB salutes FCC Chairman PAI for his strong support for voluntary activation of FM radio chips in APPLE iPhones. Local broadcasters are a lifeline information source in times of crisis, as Chairman PAI, Sen. BILL NELSON (D-FL) and other members of Congress and the FCC have noted. We urge APPLE to acknowledge the public safety benefits of local broadcasting on SmartPhones and to light up the FM chip.”

NextRadio Also Agrees

Predictably, NEXTRADIO endorsed CHAIRMAN PAI’s call for more manufacturers, including APPLE, to activate the FM chip, citing the recent weather emergencies. In a statement, NEXTRADIO declared:

"We at NEXTRADIO agree with him and want this to be a reality in all phones. People need access to the life-saving information FM radio broadcasters provide during emergencies. We built the NEXTRADIO app with this in mind, and make it available for free.:

For more info, visit www.FreeRadioOnMyPhone.org.

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