The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday renewed his call for Apple to activate radio chips in its smartphones following a slew of devastating Atlantic hurricanes.
Ajit Pai said in a statement that most phone makers activated the FM chips already installed in their devices so that users can receive radio signals even if wireless networks are down — broadcasts that proved critical during Hurricane Harvey in Texas, Hurricane Irma in Florida and, most recently, Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.
Pai said Apple is the “one major phone manufacturer” to resist turning them on in its iPhones.
Most cell towers in Puerto Rico — along with most electricity — remain out of service as the island struggles in the wake of Maria.
“It is time for Apple to step up to the plate and put the safety of the American people first,” Pai said.
An Apple spokeswoman reportedly declined comment on the matter.
