Apple likes to say there’s an app for everything, but what about receiving FM radio frequencies on your smartphone? Apps like Spotify and Pandora allow smartphone users to stream music via the internet on their devices, but there actually isn’t an app for turning your device into a miniature FM radio in your pocket – that’s because it already is one.
That’s right ladies and gentlemen, your smartphone is a radio too! In fact, 98 percent of the top selling phones in the U.S. come equipped with an FM chip according to data from the National Association of Broadcasters. However, the reason you probably weren’t aware of this fact is because only 20 percent of said phones have the radio chip activated.
Radio broadcasters and key players in the broadcasting technology industry have long been pushing for making all smartphone manufacturers automatically enable their devices’ FM capabilities for consumers, which would allow people to listen to FM radio without using data or when Internet connections fail.
These groups have even tried to enlist the help of the Federal Communications Commission several times, but smartphone makers and the wireless communications industry have fought back, arguing that FM radio on phones isn’t in demand. More likely though, cell phone providers are concerned about FM capabilities leading to lower billable data usage.
And now the issue of turning your smartphone into an FM radio may be getting taken off the table once and for all. Two House members recently introduced a bill that would make it illegal for the FCC to implement FM-chip requirements now or in the future.
Said one of the bill’s sponsors: “As more consumers use Internet radio, the bill ensures consumers aren’t locked into outdated technology mandates and can choose how they access local news and music on their mobile device.”
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