FCC asks Apple to activate FM chips after hurricanes

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is calling on Apple to activate FM chips in its iPhones to aid those without cell service in areas hardest hit by the recent hurricanes, but the request has the company scratching its head.

That’s because several of the latest iPhone models don’t include chips to access FM radio waves, while FM components in most older models aren’t capable of transmitting. 

Still, FCC chairman Ajit Pai blasted Apple in a statement on activating the FM chips.

“When wireless networks go down during a natural disaster, smartphones with activated FM chips can allow Americans to get vital access to life-saving information,” Pai said in a statement. “I applaud those companies that have done the right thing by activating the FM chips in their phones.”

“Apple is the one major phone manufacturer that has resisted doing so. But I hope the company will reconsider its position, given the devastation wrought by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.”

{mosads}Apple responded by saying its devices have other public safety features built in.

“Apple cares deeply about the safety of our users, especially during times of crisis and that’s why we have engineered modern safety solutions into our products,” the company said in a statement. “Users can dial emergency services and access Medical ID card information directly from the Lock Screen, and we enable government emergency notifications, ranging from Weather Advisories to AMBER alerts.”

“iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 models do not have FM radio chips in them nor do they have antennas designed to support FM signals, so it is not possible to enable FM reception in these products.”

The FCC said this week that 91 percent of Puerto Rico’s cell towers remain out of service after the island was ravaged by Hurricane Maria. The storm also knocked out electrical power for the entire territory.

“That’s why I am asking Apple to activate the FM chips that are in its iPhones,” Pai said in his statement. “It is time for Apple to step up to the plate and put the safety of the American people first.”