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Institute for Workplace Studies-----------------Professor Samuel B. Bacharach

School of Industrial & Labor Relations-------- Director, Institute for Workplace Studies

Cornell University

16 East 34th Street, 4th floor--------------------Stuart Basefsky

New York, NY 10016 -------------------------------Director, IWS News Bureau

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Congressional Research Service (CRS)

 

Radio Broadcasting Chips for Smartphones: A Status Report

Linda K. Moore, Specialist in Telecommunications Policy

December 15, 2014

http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/homesec/R43828.pdf

[full-text, 9 pages]

 

Summary

The concurrent developments of digital radio broadcasting and digital cellular networks have

enabled hybrid products that incorporate over-the-air broadcasting into cellphones. A recent

introduction (2013) is a hybrid radio/smartphone with Internet connectivity, marketed in the

United States as NextRadio. NextRadio uses a chip that receives analog FM and digital radio,

with enhancements such as customized radio listening; the primary radio connection is over-theair,

not through Internet streaming.

 

On the assumption that radio broadcasting is more accessible and reliable than communications

over wireless networks with Internet connectivity, some broadcasting industry leaders have

proposed that FM radio chips be required—or at least encouraged—for smartphones as part of the

nation’s emergency communications preparedness.

 

To give perspective on the proposal for widespread deployment of FM radio chips in smartphones

as an emergency preparedness measure, this report provides information on consumer and

industry trends in radio and wireless network communications. It also provides a brief overview

of the role of technology in disseminating emergency alerts and information.

 

Contents

Background ...................................................................................................................................... 1

Radio Chips in Smartphones: A New Initiative ............................................................................... 2

Business Case: Radio Industry .................................................................................................. 2

Business Case: Wireless Service Providers ............................................................................... 3

Emergency Alerts and Warnings ...................................................................................................... 4

Wireless Network Reliability ........................................................................................................... 5

 

Contacts

Author Contact Information............................................................................................................. 6

 

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