FM Radio Disabled: Difference between revisions
Created page with "{{Infobox|title=FM Radio Chip Deactivation|image=fm_radio_chip.jpg|caption=Qualcomm chip with FM receiver present but disabled|type=Feature Restriction|chips=Qualcomm, Broadcom, MediaTek|companies=Apple, Most carriers|safety_impact=Emergency broadcast access blocked|discovered=2015 (NextRadio campaign)}} '''FM radio chip deactivation''' refers to the practice of disabling functional FM radio receivers present in smartphone chipsets, forcing users to consume mobile data..." |
→Overview: List phone manufacturers' music streaming subscription services as another reason for deactivating FM radio chip. |
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{{Infobox|title=FM Radio Chip Deactivation|image=fm_radio_chip.jpg|caption=Qualcomm chip with FM receiver present but disabled|type=Feature Restriction|chips=Qualcomm, Broadcom, MediaTek|companies=Apple, Most carriers|safety_impact=Emergency broadcast access blocked|discovered=2015 (NextRadio campaign)}} | {{Infobox|title=FM Radio Chip Deactivation|image=fm_radio_chip.jpg|caption=Qualcomm chip with FM receiver present but disabled|type=Feature Restriction|chips=Qualcomm, Broadcom, MediaTek|companies=Apple, Most carriers|safety_impact=Emergency broadcast access blocked|discovered=2015 (NextRadio campaign)}} | ||
'''FM radio chip deactivation''' refers to the practice of disabling functional FM radio receivers present in smartphone chipsets, forcing users to consume mobile data for radio content. | '''FM radio chip deactivation''' refers to the practice of disabling functional FM radio receivers present in smartphone chipsets, forcing users to consume mobile data for radio content. | ||
== Overview == | ==Overview== | ||
Most smartphone processors include FM radio capability as a standard feature. Manufacturers and carriers deliberately disable this functionality through software/firmware, citing various false reasons while profiting from data consumption. | Most smartphone processors include FM radio capability as a standard feature. Manufacturers and carriers deliberately disable this functionality through software/firmware, citing various false reasons while profiting from data consumption or subscriptions to the manufacturer's music streaming services. | ||
== Technical Reality == | ==Technical Reality== | ||
=== Chips with FM Capability === | ===Chips with FM Capability=== | ||
* '''Qualcomm Snapdragon''': All models since 2010 | *'''Qualcomm Snapdragon''': All models since 2010 | ||
* '''Samsung Exynos''': FM included in most | *'''Samsung Exynos''': FM included in most | ||
* '''MediaTek''': Standard FM feature | *'''MediaTek''': Standard FM feature | ||
* '''Broadcom WiFi/BT chips''': Often include FM | *'''Broadcom WiFi/BT chips''': Often include FM | ||
=== How It Works === | ===How It Works=== | ||
* FM receiver shares die space with Bluetooth/WiFi | *FM receiver shares die space with Bluetooth/WiFi | ||
* Headphone wire acts as antenna | *Headphone wire acts as antenna | ||
* Power consumption: 10-30mW (vs 300mW for LTE streaming) | *Power consumption: 10-30mW (vs 300mW for LTE streaming) | ||
* Zero data usage | *Zero data usage | ||
== Deactivation Methods == | ==Deactivation Methods== | ||
=== Software Level === | ===Software Level=== | ||
* Kernel drivers removed from OS | *Kernel drivers removed from OS | ||
* HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) excluded | *HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) excluded | ||
* API calls blocked in framework | *API calls blocked in framework | ||
* FM apps banned from app stores | *FM apps banned from app stores | ||
=== Hardware Level === | ===Hardware Level=== | ||
* Antenna pin not connected (saves $0.02) | *Antenna pin not connected (saves $0.02) | ||
* Power rail disconnected | *Power rail disconnected | ||
* Firmware fuse blown | *Firmware fuse blown | ||
* Clock source omitted | *Clock source omitted | ||
== Emergency Safety Issue == | ==Emergency Safety Issue== | ||
=== Emergency Alert System === | ===Emergency Alert System=== | ||
* FM radio carries emergency broadcasts | *FM radio carries emergency broadcasts | ||
* Works during network congestion | *Works during network congestion | ||
* Functions without cell towers | *Functions without cell towers | ||
* Battery lasts days vs hours | *Battery lasts days vs hours | ||
=== Natural Disasters === | ===Natural Disasters=== | ||
* '''Hurricane Katrina''': Cell networks down for weeks | *'''Hurricane Katrina''': Cell networks down for weeks | ||
* '''Japan Earthquake 2011''': Only FM worked | *'''Japan Earthquake 2011''': Only FM worked | ||
* '''Texas Grid Failure 2021''': No power for cell towers | *'''Texas Grid Failure 2021''': No power for cell towers | ||
* '''Hawaii False Missile Alert''': Cell networks crashed | *'''Hawaii False Missile Alert''': Cell networks crashed | ||
=== FCC Former Chairman Tom Wheeler (2016) === | ===FCC Former Chairman Tom Wheeler (2016)=== | ||
> "You have a FM receiver in your phone. It's an important safety feature. But carriers don't activate it because they make money on data streaming." | > "You have a FM receiver in your phone. It's an important safety feature. But carriers don't activate it because they make money on data streaming." | ||
== Financial Motivation == | ==Financial Motivation== | ||
=== Data Consumption === | ===Data Consumption=== | ||
* FM Radio: 0 MB/hour | *FM Radio: 0 MB/hour | ||
* Streaming radio: 60-120 MB/hour | *Streaming radio: 60-120 MB/hour | ||
* Average listener: 2 hours/day | *Average listener: 2 hours/day | ||
* Monthly data: 7.2 GB | *Monthly data: 7.2 GB | ||
* Revenue at $10/GB: $72/month | *Revenue at $10/GB: $72/month | ||
=== Carrier Profits === | ===Carrier Profits=== | ||
* Verizon 2023: $21 billion from overages | *Verizon 2023: $21 billion from overages | ||
* AT&T 2023: $19 billion from data plans | *AT&T 2023: $19 billion from data plans | ||
* Correlation with FM disabling: Direct | *Correlation with FM disabling: Direct | ||
== Timeline of Suppression == | ==Timeline of Suppression== | ||
=== Early Smartphones === | ===Early Smartphones=== | ||
* '''2008-2012''': Many Android phones had FM enabled | *'''2008-2012''': Many Android phones had FM enabled | ||
* '''2013''': Carriers begin requesting removal | *'''2013''': Carriers begin requesting removal | ||
* '''2014''': iPhone never enables despite chip support | *'''2014''': iPhone never enables despite chip support | ||
* '''2015''': NextRadio campaigns for activation | *'''2015''': NextRadio campaigns for activation | ||
* '''2016''': FCC encourages but doesn't mandate | *'''2016''': FCC encourages but doesn't mandate | ||
* '''2017''': Some carriers briefly enable | *'''2017''': Some carriers briefly enable | ||
* '''2020''': Wholesale abandonment | *'''2020''': Wholesale abandonment | ||
== Manufacturer Excuses Debunked == | ==Manufacturer Excuses Debunked== | ||
=== "No antenna" === | ==="No antenna"=== | ||
* '''Reality''': Headphone wire perfect antenna | *'''Reality''': Headphone wire perfect antenna | ||
* Bluetooth headphones: Internal wires work | *Bluetooth headphones: Internal wires work | ||
* Even without headphones: Reduced range but functional | *Even without headphones: Reduced range but functional | ||
=== "Poor user experience" === | ==="Poor user experience"=== | ||
* '''Reality''': 4 billion people use FM daily worldwide | *'''Reality''': 4 billion people use FM daily worldwide | ||
* Audio quality excellent for voice/music | *Audio quality excellent for voice/music | ||
* No buffering or connection issues | *No buffering or connection issues | ||
=== "No consumer demand" === | ==="No consumer demand"=== | ||
* '''Reality''': Never given option to choose | *'''Reality''': Never given option to choose | ||
* 2016 survey: 76% want FM radio | *2016 survey: 76% want FM radio | ||
* NextRadio app: Millions downloaded where available | *NextRadio app: Millions downloaded where available | ||
=== "Takes up space" === | ==="Takes up space"=== | ||
* '''Reality''': Already in chip, zero extra space | *'''Reality''': Already in chip, zero extra space | ||
* Software: ~2MB for FM app | *Software: ~2MB for FM app | ||
* Compare: Facebook app 300MB+ | *Compare: Facebook app 300MB+ | ||
== Global Perspective == | ==Global Perspective== | ||
=== Countries with FM Enabled === | ===Countries with FM Enabled=== | ||
* **India**: Mandated by government | *<nowiki>**India**: Mandated by government</nowiki> | ||
* **China**: Standard feature | *<nowiki>**China**: Standard feature</nowiki> | ||
* **Japan**: Emergency requirement | *<nowiki>**Japan**: Emergency requirement</nowiki> | ||
* **South Korea**: Safety feature | *<nowiki>**South Korea**: Safety feature</nowiki> | ||
* **Mexico**: Enabled by default | *<nowiki>**Mexico**: Enabled by default</nowiki> | ||
=== Only in USA/Canada === | ===Only in USA/Canada=== | ||
* FM disabled despite hardware | *FM disabled despite hardware | ||
* "Market forces" cited | *"Market forces" cited | ||
* Reality: Carrier collusion | *Reality: Carrier collusion | ||
== Environmental Impact == | ==Environmental Impact== | ||
=== Power Consumption === | ===Power Consumption=== | ||
* FM Radio: 20mW | *FM Radio: 20mW | ||
* 4G Streaming: 300-1000mW | *4G Streaming: 300-1000mW | ||
* Battery life: 50x longer on FM | *Battery life: 50x longer on FM | ||
* Carbon footprint: 98% lower | *Carbon footprint: 98% lower | ||
=== Infrastructure Waste === | ===Infrastructure Waste=== | ||
* Cell towers for streaming: Thousands needed | *Cell towers for streaming: Thousands needed | ||
* FM transmitter: One covers entire city | *FM transmitter: One covers entire city | ||
* Data centers: Massive power for streaming | *Data centers: Massive power for streaming | ||
* FM broadcast: Negligible comparison | *FM broadcast: Negligible comparison | ||
== Public Safety Campaigns == | ==Public Safety Campaigns== | ||
=== NextRadio Initiative (2015-2020) === | ===NextRadio Initiative (2015-2020)=== | ||
* Exposed FM chip presence | *Exposed FM chip presence | ||
* Lobbied carriers and manufacturers | *Lobbied carriers and manufacturers | ||
* Limited success: Sprint enabled briefly | *Limited success: Sprint enabled briefly | ||
* Ultimately failed against industry pressure | *Ultimately failed against industry pressure | ||
=== FEMA Recommendations === | ===FEMA Recommendations=== | ||
* Includes FM radio in emergency kits | *Includes FM radio in emergency kits | ||
* Cannot recommend phone FM (disabled) | *Cannot recommend phone FM (disabled) | ||
* Forced to suggest separate radio | *Forced to suggest separate radio | ||
* Redundant device requirement | *Redundant device requirement | ||
== Legal and Regulatory == | ==Legal and Regulatory== | ||
=== FCC Position === | ===FCC Position=== | ||
* Acknowledges safety importance | *Acknowledges safety importance | ||
* Refuses to mandate activation | *Refuses to mandate activation | ||
* Claims "market will decide" | *Claims "market will decide" | ||
* Ignores market manipulation | *Ignores market manipulation | ||
=== Congressional Hearings === | ===Congressional Hearings=== | ||
* 2017: Testimony on public safety | *2017: Testimony on public safety | ||
* Carrier lobbyists prevail | *Carrier lobbyists prevail | ||
* No legislation passed | *No legislation passed | ||
* Public interest ignored | *Public interest ignored | ||
=== International Regulations === | ===International Regulations=== | ||
* India: Mandatory FM in phones (2017) | *India: Mandatory FM in phones (2017) | ||
* EU: Considering requirement | *EU: Considering requirement | ||
* Japan: De facto requirement | *Japan: De facto requirement | ||
== The Apple Exception == | ==The Apple Exception== | ||
=== iPhone FM Capability === | ===iPhone FM Capability=== | ||
* Uses same Broadcom/Qualcomm chips | *Uses same Broadcom/Qualcomm chips | ||
* FM circuitry present but disabled | *FM circuitry present but disabled | ||
* Not even connected in hardware | *Not even connected in hardware | ||
* Zero iPhones ever had FM enabled | *Zero iPhones ever had FM enabled | ||
=== Apple's Statement === | ===Apple's Statement=== | ||
> "iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 models do not have FM radio chips in them" | > "iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 models do not have FM radio chips in them" | ||
* '''Fact Check''': False - chips present, functionality disabled | *'''Fact Check''': False - chips present, functionality disabled | ||
== Consumer Workarounds == | ==Consumer Workarounds== | ||
=== Limited Options === | ===Limited Options=== | ||
* Separate FM radio device ($10-30) | *Separate FM radio device ($10-30) | ||
* Select Android phones with FM (rare) | *Select Android phones with FM (rare) | ||
* Modified ROMs (warranty void) | *Modified ROMs (warranty void) | ||
* SDR dongles for enthusiasts | *SDR dongles for enthusiasts | ||
=== Apps That Don't Work === | ===Apps That Don't Work=== | ||
* "FM Radio" apps: Actually stream data | *"FM Radio" apps: Actually stream data | ||
* NextRadio: Discontinued 2020 | *NextRadio: Discontinued 2020 | ||
* Radio.com: Data streaming only | *Radio.com: Data streaming only | ||
* TuneIn: Data streaming only | *TuneIn: Data streaming only | ||
== See Also == | ==See Also== | ||
* [[Emergency Alert System]] | *[[Emergency Alert System]] | ||
* [[Carrier Data Monopoly]] | *[[Carrier Data Monopoly]] | ||
* [[Public Safety vs Profit]] | *[[Public Safety vs Profit]] | ||
* [[NextRadio Campaign]] | *[[NextRadio Campaign]] | ||
* [[Qualcomm Chipset Features]] | *[[Qualcomm Chipset Features]] | ||
== References == | ==References== | ||
[1] FCC Chairman Wheeler Statement 2016 [2] NextRadio FM Chip Survey 2016 [3] FEMA Emergency Communications Guide [4] Qualcomm Technical Documentation [5] Hurricane Katrina Communications Failure Report | [1] FCC Chairman Wheeler Statement 2016 [2] NextRadio FM Chip Survey 2016 [3] FEMA Emergency Communications Guide [4] Qualcomm Technical Documentation [5] Hurricane Katrina Communications Failure Report | ||
== External Links == | ==External Links== | ||
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example Louis Rossmann: The FM Radio Conspiracy] | *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example Louis Rossmann: The FM Radio Conspiracy] | ||
* [http://freeradioonmyphone.org Free Radio on My Phone Campaign] | *[http://freeradioonmyphone.org Free Radio on My Phone Campaign] | ||
Latest revision as of 22:13, 18 September 2025
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FM radio chip deactivation refers to the practice of disabling functional FM radio receivers present in smartphone chipsets, forcing users to consume mobile data for radio content.
Overview[edit | edit source]
Most smartphone processors include FM radio capability as a standard feature. Manufacturers and carriers deliberately disable this functionality through software/firmware, citing various false reasons while profiting from data consumption or subscriptions to the manufacturer's music streaming services.
Technical Reality[edit | edit source]
Chips with FM Capability[edit | edit source]
- Qualcomm Snapdragon: All models since 2010
- Samsung Exynos: FM included in most
- MediaTek: Standard FM feature
- Broadcom WiFi/BT chips: Often include FM
How It Works[edit | edit source]
- FM receiver shares die space with Bluetooth/WiFi
- Headphone wire acts as antenna
- Power consumption: 10-30mW (vs 300mW for LTE streaming)
- Zero data usage
Deactivation Methods[edit | edit source]
Software Level[edit | edit source]
- Kernel drivers removed from OS
- HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) excluded
- API calls blocked in framework
- FM apps banned from app stores
Hardware Level[edit | edit source]
- Antenna pin not connected (saves $0.02)
- Power rail disconnected
- Firmware fuse blown
- Clock source omitted
Emergency Safety Issue[edit | edit source]
Emergency Alert System[edit | edit source]
- FM radio carries emergency broadcasts
- Works during network congestion
- Functions without cell towers
- Battery lasts days vs hours
Natural Disasters[edit | edit source]
- Hurricane Katrina: Cell networks down for weeks
- Japan Earthquake 2011: Only FM worked
- Texas Grid Failure 2021: No power for cell towers
- Hawaii False Missile Alert: Cell networks crashed
FCC Former Chairman Tom Wheeler (2016)[edit | edit source]
> "You have a FM receiver in your phone. It's an important safety feature. But carriers don't activate it because they make money on data streaming."
Financial Motivation[edit | edit source]
Data Consumption[edit | edit source]
- FM Radio: 0 MB/hour
- Streaming radio: 60-120 MB/hour
- Average listener: 2 hours/day
- Monthly data: 7.2 GB
- Revenue at $10/GB: $72/month
Carrier Profits[edit | edit source]
- Verizon 2023: $21 billion from overages
- AT&T 2023: $19 billion from data plans
- Correlation with FM disabling: Direct
Timeline of Suppression[edit | edit source]
Early Smartphones[edit | edit source]
- 2008-2012: Many Android phones had FM enabled
- 2013: Carriers begin requesting removal
- 2014: iPhone never enables despite chip support
- 2015: NextRadio campaigns for activation
- 2016: FCC encourages but doesn't mandate
- 2017: Some carriers briefly enable
- 2020: Wholesale abandonment
Manufacturer Excuses Debunked[edit | edit source]
"No antenna"[edit | edit source]
- Reality: Headphone wire perfect antenna
- Bluetooth headphones: Internal wires work
- Even without headphones: Reduced range but functional
"Poor user experience"[edit | edit source]
- Reality: 4 billion people use FM daily worldwide
- Audio quality excellent for voice/music
- No buffering or connection issues
"No consumer demand"[edit | edit source]
- Reality: Never given option to choose
- 2016 survey: 76% want FM radio
- NextRadio app: Millions downloaded where available
"Takes up space"[edit | edit source]
- Reality: Already in chip, zero extra space
- Software: ~2MB for FM app
- Compare: Facebook app 300MB+
Global Perspective[edit | edit source]
Countries with FM Enabled[edit | edit source]
- **India**: Mandated by government
- **China**: Standard feature
- **Japan**: Emergency requirement
- **South Korea**: Safety feature
- **Mexico**: Enabled by default
Only in USA/Canada[edit | edit source]
- FM disabled despite hardware
- "Market forces" cited
- Reality: Carrier collusion
Environmental Impact[edit | edit source]
Power Consumption[edit | edit source]
- FM Radio: 20mW
- 4G Streaming: 300-1000mW
- Battery life: 50x longer on FM
- Carbon footprint: 98% lower
Infrastructure Waste[edit | edit source]
- Cell towers for streaming: Thousands needed
- FM transmitter: One covers entire city
- Data centers: Massive power for streaming
- FM broadcast: Negligible comparison
Public Safety Campaigns[edit | edit source]
NextRadio Initiative (2015-2020)[edit | edit source]
- Exposed FM chip presence
- Lobbied carriers and manufacturers
- Limited success: Sprint enabled briefly
- Ultimately failed against industry pressure
FEMA Recommendations[edit | edit source]
- Includes FM radio in emergency kits
- Cannot recommend phone FM (disabled)
- Forced to suggest separate radio
- Redundant device requirement
Legal and Regulatory[edit | edit source]
FCC Position[edit | edit source]
- Acknowledges safety importance
- Refuses to mandate activation
- Claims "market will decide"
- Ignores market manipulation
Congressional Hearings[edit | edit source]
- 2017: Testimony on public safety
- Carrier lobbyists prevail
- No legislation passed
- Public interest ignored
International Regulations[edit | edit source]
- India: Mandatory FM in phones (2017)
- EU: Considering requirement
- Japan: De facto requirement
The Apple Exception[edit | edit source]
iPhone FM Capability[edit | edit source]
- Uses same Broadcom/Qualcomm chips
- FM circuitry present but disabled
- Not even connected in hardware
- Zero iPhones ever had FM enabled
Apple's Statement[edit | edit source]
> "iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 models do not have FM radio chips in them"
- Fact Check: False - chips present, functionality disabled
Consumer Workarounds[edit | edit source]
Limited Options[edit | edit source]
- Separate FM radio device ($10-30)
- Select Android phones with FM (rare)
- Modified ROMs (warranty void)
- SDR dongles for enthusiasts
Apps That Don't Work[edit | edit source]
- "FM Radio" apps: Actually stream data
- NextRadio: Discontinued 2020
- Radio.com: Data streaming only
- TuneIn: Data streaming only
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Emergency Alert System
- Carrier Data Monopoly
- Public Safety vs Profit
- NextRadio Campaign
- Qualcomm Chipset Features
References[edit | edit source]
[1] FCC Chairman Wheeler Statement 2016 [2] NextRadio FM Chip Survey 2016 [3] FEMA Emergency Communications Guide [4] Qualcomm Technical Documentation [5] Hurricane Katrina Communications Failure Report