Over the years, radio has expanded into new products and frontiers. New technologies (such as integrated FM antennas, power-saving and low-profile chipsets) have made it feasible for local broadcast radio receivers to be included in fixed and mobile consumer electronic devices, including cellular phones. Around the world, consumers are using their cellular phones to listen to free, local radio. Come check out all the chatter at the NAB Radio-Ready Cell Phone Showcase, booth N3438.

NAB is a strong advocate for universal inclusion of free over-the-air radio technology in cell phones and other handheld devices. Information on NAB's advocacy efforts in this area will be available at the showcase, as will information on antenna technology for embedding FM radio antennas in cell phones developed with funding from the NAB FASTROAD technology advocacy program.

The showcase will also include a technology demonstration of the power of radio to keep citizens informed during emergency situations. It will delve into radio's emergency alerting capabilities, including CAP-based EAS audio and text messages and a live end-to-end demonstration of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) will be shown. The demonstration equipment will be provided by Sage Alerting Systems and ALERT FM- the FM radio-based RBDS alert and messaging system by Global Security Systems, LLC.

Because of radio's nationwide ubiquitous coverage, cellular phones equipped with an active FM chip will be able to receive potentially lifesaving information even when cellular networks are overloaded or become incapacitated.

The CAP EAS and ALERT FM technology will also be demonstrated at the FEMA Integrated Public Alert and Warning (IPAWS) booth, number C2615, and the Sage Alerting Systems, Inc. booth, number C1339.