Sprint commits to FM on cell

0

FM radio will be available to Sprint customers on select Windows and Android smartphones for a period of three years under a new agreement between the company and the US radio industry. The widespread availability of FM on wireless is said to be the first agreement of its kind.


The soon-to-be-available NextRadio tuner is expected to make it happen – it will give consumers the chance to pull stations off air that are now available only through wireless internet applications.

NextRadio is being demonstrated at the CES show in Las Vegas.

Fared Adib, senior vice president, product development and operations at Sprint, stated, “We look forward to bringing Sprint customers another entertainment choice through NextRadio. This new, easy-to-use service adds another dimension to the versatility of our wide array of smartphones and will deliver a new avenue for thousands of local radio stations across the country to reach our customers.”

Gordon Smith, president of the National Association of Broadcasters, said, “This opportunity combines the strengths of the Sprint network with the impact of America’s radio stations. It is the type of business-to-business partnership that recognizes the unique strengths of the wireless networks and the radio industry and provides services that are so important to the American people.”

Bob Pittman, CEO of Clear Channel, noted, “This is a great development for the radio industry, one which will help us bring the content and services that only radio can provide to the wireless system. It’s an important benefit for consumers across America, and we are pleased to participate in this effort.”

Jeff Smulyan, CEO of Emmis Communications, who acted as principal negotiator for the radio industry, added, “Today is a remarkable day for our industry. I am gratified by the unity I have seen in our industry. It seems every broadcaster I know has supported this effort, and I am grateful to the tireless efforts of industry leaders, from the largest companies to the owners of the smallest stations … all of whom have helped us reach this agreement. While there is much work to be done, today is a critical first step.”