MMTC Calls on FCC Chief To Support Activating FM Chips in Smartphones

The activation of FM chips already built into smartphones would enhance broadcasters' ability "to distribute lifesaving, emergency alert notifications before, during and after natural and man-made emergencies,” the Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC) told FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler in an open letter Tuesday. During Hurricane Katrina, the FM chip “would have added a layer of security for consumers, first responders and other stakeholders interested in the timely distribution of emergency response data,” MMTC said. During that emergency, terrestrial radio “was the only viable method of mass communications, and the activation of FM chips would have potentially extended this service to wireless consumers who are more likely to be ‘smartphone dependent,’ minority, multilingual and, in some cases, geographically isolated,” it said. “With your support and endorsement we could make radio a reality in all smartphones,” it told Wheeler. “You can help by encouraging all cellular carriers to turn on the FM Chips in their phones. The goal is to provide all Americans with peace-of-mind during emergencies so they will be kept abreast of lifesaving alerts if ever needed.” In House testimony in March, Wheeler expressed doubts whether the FCC “should be forcing wireless carriers to activate these chips or whether they ought to be leaving that to consumer choice” (see 1503200031). Those remarks drew a sharp response from NAB, which said broadcasters weren't seeking a government mandate on activating FM chips in smartphones, but were merely seeking the FCC's help “in using its influence in enabling a technology that can save lives in emergency situations.”