The FM radio chip is hidden inside most smartphones because most smartphones in the US don’t actually allow you to use it. But soon FM may start working on your phone because AT&T to activate FM Radio Chips in all Android devices.

AT&T is requesting all the Android phone manufactures to start activating the chip that already exists in smartphones so that it can provide FM service to its users.

Emmis Communications, owners of TagStation and NextRadio, are marketing a new FM app, which will allow users to tune in to local FM radio and get local emergency alerts. Both AT&T and Sprint have confirmed to be on board with this initiative.

AT&T to activate FM Radio Chips and NextRadio team wrote in an email regarding it:

“This is a big milestone for the radio industry and shows working together and supporting this initiative is paying off.”

According to the research by NextRadio, customers want to have FM radio features on their smartphones, and that they will love to listen to FM radio stations once such it is activated on their smartphones.

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) reacted to the news with the following statement:

“Today marks a new beginning in mobile technology with the agreement by a global iconic brand, AT&T, to light up the FM receiver chips in all of its future Android smartphones.”

AT&T to activate FM Radio Chips; what can be the reason for it?

It may be possible that AT&T will get a cut of music sales or ads from NextRadio, an FM radio app that the company seems to be supporting.

According to the National Association of Broadcasters, if users will have an active FM reception, it will open up features that are popular with younger listeners such as song tagging and other interactions. Soon phone users will be able to listen to free music on radio as AT&T to activate FM Radio Chips in all Android devices.