FCC Urges Apple to Enable FM Chip in iPhone: 'Lives Depend on It'

The FCC is calling out Apple for refusing to activate the FM radio capabilities in the iPhone in light of the recent devastation caused by Hurricanes Maria, Irma, and Harvey.

Chairman Ajit Pai released the following statement today:

“In recent years, I have repeatedly called on the wireless industry to activate the FM chips that are already installed in almost all smartphones sold in the United States.  And I’ve specifically pointed out the public safety benefits of doing so.  In fact, in my first public speech after I became Chairman, I observed that ‘[y]ou could make a case for activating chips on public safety grounds alone.’  When wireless networks go down during a natural disaster, smartphones with activated FM chips can allow Americans to get vital access to life-saving information.  I applaud those companies that have done the right thing by activating the FM chips in their phones.


“Apple is the one major phone manufacturer that has resisted doing so.  But I hope the company will reconsider its position, given the devastation wrought by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.  That’s why I am asking Apple to activate the FM chips that are in its iPhones.  It is time for Apple to step up to the plate and put the safety of the American people first.  As the Sun Sentinel of South Florida put it, ‘Do the right thing, Mr. Cook.  Flip the switch.  Lives depend on it.’”

Do think Apple should activate the FM chip found in the iPhone?

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