Globe editorial calls FM radio "outdated technology"

[Dave Doherty]

> If I want an FM radio, I'll get one.

The standalone radio market tanked about ten years ago. It's pretty hard to 
find a dedicated analog radio receiver any more. Radio Shack has a model or 
three, but that's about it.

> Well, I don't understand why I should be required to get an FM radio with 
> my next cell phone.

Many if not most cell phones are worldwide models and already include FM 
receivers due to regulatory requirements overseas. The FM tuners are just 
turned off here in the US.  So whether or not you want to pay for it, you 
already have the capability to receive FM on your cell phone. The receiver 
chips are miniscule and consume micro-Watts.

The primary problem would appear to be that the cell carriers don't want to 
pay royalties, because they would have to pass that cost along to their 
customers.

-d




--------------------------------------------------
From: "A Joseph Ross" <joe@attorneyross.com>
Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 11:09 PM
To: <boston-radio-interest@lists.BostonRadio.org>
Subject: Re: Globe editorial calls FM radio "outdated technology"

>
>  On 8/22/2010 2:01 AM, Judy S. wrote:
>
>> Today's Boston Sunday Globe editorial speaks out against mandating FM 
>> tuners in portable devices.
>>
>> As part of their point, they call FM "outdated technology."
>> They also say: "Then there’s the fact that FM technology seems, frankly, 
>> on its way out."
>>
>> http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2010/08/22/fm_radio_playing_a_sneaky_tune/?p1=Well_Opinion_links
>
> Well, I don't understand why I should be required to get an FM radio with 
> my next cellphone.  If I want an FM radio, I'll get one.
>
> --
>
> A. Joseph Ross, J.D.                     617.367.0468
> 92 State Street, Suite 700          Fax: 617.507.7856
> Boston, MA 02109-2004     http://www.attorneyross.com
>
>
>