RCA Opposes Mandated Inclusion of FM Radio Chips in FM Devices

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                      Contact: Lucy Tutwiler

August 23, 2010                                                                                                          (202) 449-9866

RCA Opposes Mandated Inclusion of FM Radio Chips in FM Devices

Washington, DC – Today, RCA (Rural Cellular Association) sent a joint letter with CTIA, CEA and others to leadership of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees expressing concern about reports suggesting that parties to disputed performance rights royalties may be working toward a legislative compromise that would mandate the inclusion of FM radio chips in all mobile devices.  RCA opposes any proposal to require this technology mandate on mobile devices and called on the Committees to resist such a mandate.

“The wireless industry should not be negatively affected by a dispute between two entirely separate industries,” said RCA President & CEO Steven K. Berry.  “Requiring mobile devices to include FM radio chips would place an undue burden on the wireless industry.  Not only would it raise the cost of producing wireless devices, but it would do so for a functionality that consumers may not even want or ever use.  Furthermore, an FM chip mandate could delay the development of a mobile broadcast emergency alerting system that the FCC, FEMA and other agencies have diligently worked to establish.”

Berry continued, “I understand the FM chip is already available in the marketplace for any carrier that wishes to include this capability in their handset.  This is not a functionality that needs a mandate; it does not further interoperability of devices and is an unnecessary government mandate.”

About RCA

RCA is the nation's leading association for wireless providers serving rural areas of the United States. The licensed service area of RCA's nearly 90 members covers more than 80 percent of the nation.

# # #