The general thinking is that FM radios have been turned off to encourage data usage, which carriers can make money off of. So why the change? It’s possible that AT&T is getting a cut of ads or music sales from NextRadio, an FM radio app that it seems to be supporting. NextRadio worked with Sprint to get it to support FM activations back in 2013, so this isn’t unprecedented; radio activation is also something that NPR and the National Association of Broadcasters have been pushing for. Regardless of why AT&T is now starting to push for FM radio, it’s good news for smartphone owners. FM radio is free and doesn’t require an internet connection. It’s also a news source — and it could be a critical one during an emergency. – Jacob Kastrenakes, The Verge

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