Pai Says He Will Continue to Press Manufacturers on FM-Chip Activation

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai told Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla., he “will continue to encourage manufacturers and service providers to make FM reception available to consumers to provide cost effective access to critical information during crises.” Soto pressed Pai in September on smartphone FM-chip activation for emergency broadcasting during disaster events amid the aftermath of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. Pai urged Apple in September to activate FM chips in iPhones to promote public safety (see 1709280060). Pai noted his comments on Apple in a letter to Soto released Wednesday. “I am also pleased to note that recently Sprint and [NextRadio] announced that FM reception would be available on most Sprint Android and Windows phones using" the NextRadio app, Pai said.