History
In recent years, the major cellular service providers have all provided increased access to FM radio capability, which exists in virtually all smartphones. As of early 2017, most of the top-selling Android phones being sold in the U.S. have FM radio activated. However, Apple phones stand out, as not a single iPhone model supports reception of FM.
The consumer benefits to FM radio in phones are clear:
Virtually all smartphones are manufactured with hardware capable of receiving free FM radio signals, but not all phones have this feature activated, either by choice of the phone's manufacturer or the wireless carrier. However, Apple has not activated this feature on any of its iPhones, preventing their customers from saving battery life and data charges, while also blocking access to a critical lifeline during times of emergency.
To empower consumers and enhance public safety, Congress, FEMA, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the wireless industry should consider ways to expand consumer access to FM radio in mobile devices. NAB does not support mandated FM radio in cellphones. However, we urge all wireless carriers to clearly communicate to consumers which models already have built-in broadcast radio, and agree to unlock FM in their phones.