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..." |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Incomplete}} | |||
{{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. | ||
== 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] | ||
Revision as of 17:23, 18 September 2025
⚠️ Article status notice: This article has been marked as incomplete
This article needs additional work for its sourcing and verifiability to meet the wiki's Content Guidelines and be in line with our Mission Statement for comprehensive coverage of consumer protection issues.
This notice will be removed once sufficient documentation has been added to establish the systemic nature of these issues. Once you believe the article is ready to have its notice removed, please visit the Moderator's noticeboard, or the discord and post to the #appeals channel.
Learn more ▼
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
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.
Technical Reality
Chips with FM Capability
- 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
- 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
Software Level
- Kernel drivers removed from OS
- HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) excluded
- API calls blocked in framework
- FM apps banned from app stores
Hardware Level
- Antenna pin not connected (saves $0.02)
- Power rail disconnected
- Firmware fuse blown
- Clock source omitted
Emergency Safety Issue
Emergency Alert System
- FM radio carries emergency broadcasts
- Works during network congestion
- Functions without cell towers
- Battery lasts days vs hours
Natural Disasters
- 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)
> "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
Data Consumption
- 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
- Verizon 2023: $21 billion from overages
- AT&T 2023: $19 billion from data plans
- Correlation with FM disabling: Direct
Timeline of Suppression
Early Smartphones
- 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
"No antenna"
- Reality: Headphone wire perfect antenna
- Bluetooth headphones: Internal wires work
- Even without headphones: Reduced range but functional
"Poor user experience"
- Reality: 4 billion people use FM daily worldwide
- Audio quality excellent for voice/music
- No buffering or connection issues
"No consumer demand"
- Reality: Never given option to choose
- 2016 survey: 76% want FM radio
- NextRadio app: Millions downloaded where available
"Takes up space"
- Reality: Already in chip, zero extra space
- Software: ~2MB for FM app
- Compare: Facebook app 300MB+
Global Perspective
Countries with FM Enabled
- **India**: Mandated by government
- **China**: Standard feature
- **Japan**: Emergency requirement
- **South Korea**: Safety feature
- **Mexico**: Enabled by default
Only in USA/Canada
- FM disabled despite hardware
- "Market forces" cited
- Reality: Carrier collusion
Environmental Impact
Power Consumption
- FM Radio: 20mW
- 4G Streaming: 300-1000mW
- Battery life: 50x longer on FM
- Carbon footprint: 98% lower
Infrastructure Waste
- 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
NextRadio Initiative (2015-2020)
- Exposed FM chip presence
- Lobbied carriers and manufacturers
- Limited success: Sprint enabled briefly
- Ultimately failed against industry pressure
FEMA Recommendations
- Includes FM radio in emergency kits
- Cannot recommend phone FM (disabled)
- Forced to suggest separate radio
- Redundant device requirement
Legal and Regulatory
FCC Position
- Acknowledges safety importance
- Refuses to mandate activation
- Claims "market will decide"
- Ignores market manipulation
Congressional Hearings
- 2017: Testimony on public safety
- Carrier lobbyists prevail
- No legislation passed
- Public interest ignored
International Regulations
- India: Mandatory FM in phones (2017)
- EU: Considering requirement
- Japan: De facto requirement
The Apple Exception
iPhone FM Capability
- Uses same Broadcom/Qualcomm chips
- FM circuitry present but disabled
- Not even connected in hardware
- Zero iPhones ever had FM enabled
Apple's Statement
> "iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 models do not have FM radio chips in them"
- Fact Check: False - chips present, functionality disabled
Consumer Workarounds
Limited Options
- 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
- "FM Radio" apps: Actually stream data
- NextRadio: Discontinued 2020
- Radio.com: Data streaming only
- TuneIn: Data streaming only
See Also
- Emergency Alert System
- Carrier Data Monopoly
- Public Safety vs Profit
- NextRadio Campaign
- Qualcomm Chipset Features
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