FCC Chairman Ajit Pai (FCC photo) |
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has called specifically on Apple to
activate the FM radio capability in its iPhones. Most smartphones have this
capability built in, and some manufacturers have activated it, but Apple,
according to Radio World is "the
big notable holdout." Pai sees it as a matter of public safety, noting
that when wireless networks go down, "smartphones with activated FM chips
can allow Americans to get vital access to life-saving information." As of
early October, Apple had not responded to Pai's direct request.