WASHINGTON, DC -- NAB President and CEO David K. Rehr today sent letters to the chief executives of Verizon Wireless and AT&T applauding the mobile phone service providers on their recent inclusion of FM radio-capable handset devices. Verizon Wireless recently added the Samsung Omnia to its list of supported mobile handsets. AT&T has added the LG Incite. Both devices include FM radio as one of their features.
"Providing FM broadcast reception capability in mobile handsets creates multiple benefits for broadcasters, mobile network providers and consumers alike," wrote Rehr.
Click here to read Rehr's letter to Ralph de la Vega, chief executive officer, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets in PDF format.
Click here to read Rehr's letter to Lowell McAdam, president and CEO, Verizon Wireless in PDF format.
A 2008 NAB FASTROAD report outlines the potential benefits that could result from an increase in the penetration of FM radio receivers in mobile phone handsets. The study concluded that mobile phone service providers, radio broadcasters, and handset manufacturers all stand to benefit from the expansion of FM-capable mobile phones, a platform that could reach 257 million American subscribers.
The full text of the 2008 report and information on the NAB FASTROAD technology advocacy program are available at www.NABFASTROAD.org.
About NAB FASTROAD
NAB FASTROAD (Flexible Advanced Services for Television & Radio On All Devices) is the technology advocacy program of the National Association of Broadcasters. The overall mission of the FASTROAD program is to seek and facilitate development and commercialization of new technologies that can be exploited by broadcasters using radio and television broadcast spectrum.
About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. As the voice of more than 8,300 radio and television stations, NAB advances their interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.