Smartphone FM Chips Could Increase Effectiveness of Wireless Alerts, NAB Says

Expanding access to over-the-air radio for smartphones would increase the effectiveness of wireless emergency alerts, NAB told the FCC Public Safety Bureau in a meeting last week, said an ex parte filing Wednesday in docket 15-91. “Most WEA messages include text directing consumers to 'Check Local Media' for more information and instructions,” NAB said. “Simplifying the connection between WEA messages and the FM radio already available in many smartphones would be a logical extension of this current practice.” While a mobile device is tuned to radio, it's also minimizing battery drain and not burdening local cell networks, NAB said.