Welcome to our latest update on the state of FM radio access in smartphones. As we enter 2025, we continue to see the ripple effects of the Indiana State Senate’s adoption of Senate Resolution 28. This resolution, which urged wireless carriers to activate FM radio receivers in smartphones, has proven to be a game-changer. It highlighted the need for Indiana residents—and indeed, smartphone users everywhere—to have instant access to emergency information broadcasts from radio stations. This update will dive deeper into the implications of this resolution, its potential impact on consumer benefits, and the ongoing developments in other states.
The Call for Activation
The Indiana State Senate adopted Senate Resolution 28 “urging wireless carriers to activate the FM radio receivers in smartphones”. The Senate Resolution focused on the need for Indiana residents to have direct access from their smartphones to the emergency information broadcasts of -teen-sues-over-unlawful-arrest–purchasing-350-belt” target=”_blank”> radio stations.
Benefits of FM Radio in Smartphones
Activating the FM receiver in smartphones would provide immediate access to a radio in the device most residents currently carry even in the that wireless data networks become unavailable or overwhelmed.
Consumer Benefits
The resolution outlines the consumer benefits of an activated FM radio in smartphones including radio’s accessibility during an emergency, light battery usage, and non-reliance on internet data to function.
Current State of FM Radio in Smartphones
Also noted was the fact that smartphones currently sold in the U.S. have this FM radio ‘chip’ already present and would require minimal effort to activate, allowing owners of these phones to listen to FM radio stations throughout the United States.
The Role of Wireless Carriers
Presently, major wireless carriers in the United States have not taken steps to activate the FM chip in the smartphones they sell, and as they profit from the consumer data usage of streaming media, do not feel compelled to provide a free alternative. The current exception is Sprint, which has provided FM radio access in new Android devices sold since September 2013.
Legislative Actions in Other States
Similar legislative actions are set to take place in other states. They send a message to the wireless industry that the representatives of the people would like to see measures enforced that benefit and help protect their constituents.
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