The radio industry has long held the belief that radio capability should be incorporated into all mobile devices. Providing broadcast radio reception capability in mobile handsets creates multiple benefits for broadcasters, mobile network providers and consumers alike. And mobile phone manufacturers are listening. In perhaps the biggest step forward in the initiative to make FM radio a standard feature in mobile devices, press is buzzing that Apple is developing an FM radio application for the iPhone and iPod touch. This follows closely on the heels of Apple including radio capability on the iPod nano. Many in the industry think this is only the beginning. In recent months, Apple launched its first ever iPod nano with FM-capability, which has proven popular with consumers. The Apple iPhone 3GS already includes the Broadcom chip – an integrated circuit device that combines WiFi, Bluetooth and FM on a single “chip,” making it easier for manufacturers to integrate this essential functionality. The industry has been actively engaged in getting Apple to activate the FM radio capability in its iPhones.

Apple isn't the first company to include FM receivers in its products. Verizon Wireless, AT&T and T-Mobile all include or have plans to include FM radio-capable handsets in their offering. Nokia has sold more than 700 million devices with built-in FM radio receivers worldwide, demonstrating consumer recognition of the value.

Providing FM radio reception in mobile devices stands to benefit consumers, as well as the broadcasting, music and personal device manufacturing industries. It is a value-added and low cost feature that consumers appreciate – especially given that radio is still the number one method by which they discover new music. FM radio benefits the music industry through “RDS song tagging,” in which listeners can “tag” songs they hear through radio on their mobile devices for later purchase.

FM radio is also critical in communicating information to consumers during times of crisis. When electricity goes out and cell phone networks go down, the FM radio continues to broadcast. With FM capability in mobile devices, essential information would be available from nearby radio stations via “over the air” signals that are unaffected by network burden.

The benefits are undeniable. The U.S. currently lags behind the rest of the world in the number of mobile devices available with FM radio. We’re beginning to see a change – activating FM capability in Apple products is only the beginning.

Learn more:
FM in cells just the start – Inside Radio
Is FM Coming To iPhone, iPod Touch? – Radio Ink
The Facts About FM Radio In Mobile Phones – Radio Heard Here