CTIA Calls FM Chip Emergency Communications Claims 'Silly'

Wireless operators say broadcasters' suggestion that last week's devastating East Coast storms provided evidence of the need to activate FM chips in cellphones was "just silly."

The National Association of Broadcasters had argued that its members had filled an emergency communications void. "While unseemly, it is unfortunately typical of NAB to shamelessly attempt to use natural disasters and the misfortune of others to advance their public policy agenda," said CTIA VP of government affairs Jot Carpenter.