The Indiana State Senate has adopted a resolution urging wireless carriers to activate the FM radio receivers in smartphones. The resolution focuses on radio’s public safety role and comes as Indiana-based Emmis Communications has stepped up advocacy efforts to get FM receivers activated. The company says similar legislative actions are set to take place in other states.
Directed at “all wireless carriers doing business in Indiana,” the resolution says unlocking the FM radio receivers on all smartphones will ensure that the people of Indiana are able to receive important emergency information when wireless data networks are unavailable or overwhelmed. It points out that most major wireless carriers haven’t activated the FM radio receivers built into their phones. The resolution notes that activating the FM radio chip would require minimal effort.
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