NAB President and CEO David K. Rehr sent letters last week 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.

Read Rehr's letter to Ralph de la Vega, chief executive officer, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets here.

Read Rehr's letter to Lowell McAdam, president and CEO, Verizon Wireless here.

A 2008 NAB FASTROAD (Flexible Advanced Services for Television and Radio On All Devices) 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.