The FCC can control the spectrum transmitted AND received by an electronic device. Radio devices have to be "Type-accepted", which means that they have to fit a list of parameters in order to be certified for sale, or use on any channel, by the FCC. But the FCC is on a political agenda in determining which channels are acceptable. In the '30's through the '50's, it was very common for a radio receiver to have complete coverage, all the way from VLF (Very Low Frequency) through HF (shortwave). In the '60's FM became popular, and suddenly most of our radios were AM/FM, with shortwave "world bands" left out. Why? Because they wanted the American people to listen to local broadcasts only.
Only those with expensive shortwave receivers get to hear the outside news.
At the same time, it became illegal for commercial broadcasters in this country to operate on shortwave frequencies, so the only voices we have in the world radio spectrum now are a few non-profit religious stations and the Voice of America government propaganda station.
All of this amounts to the FCC controlling what it is that you get to have access to.

I do tend to notice that statists seemed think that things they demand from others that in reality would be costly, complex and time overly consuming, if not nearly impossible, is easy as flipping a switch or opening a door.

You already have WIFI - check out Serval mesh networking... That will give you free wireless Comms.

The FCC is in reality the F*CK.As are all the so-called regulatory agencies. If you doubt this, you have a lot of reading to do. The objectivist polemics are a good start.

By what right does the dotgov have to demand a company change a paradigm of their product? Sorry... while I'd love to have the AM/FM capability on my iPhone, demanding that Apple turn it over to everyone for free without compensation is, well... this ISN'T the freaking Soviet Union, Comrade.

The FCC is well within their realm regarding the use of the airwave spectrum, and to some extent the coordinated broadcast over said spectrum... not the intrinsic design of a private company's product sofar as it pertains not to prevention of interference, but of (in essence) cheating a company out of value.

I've owned iPhones since gen 3... and I bought them for the utility they provided, not for some added extra government forced gimmee that, while nice, is not what I paid for. Would I PAY for such a mod? Sure I would. Would I want it for free? ICK!!!

Here, why not require L'Oreal disclose their exact formulary so we can get their high dollar makeup for free? Or tell us what the Colonel's 7 secret herbs and spices are so we can have KFC without letting the evil company profit for their product?

Sometimes, I wonder...

Note: we'll also have the "Block Chain" to operate with from phone to phone also if satellites go down.

Can't forget the Marine bands/coast guard either...hell, while we are at it...how about Citizens band radio too..."good buddy".

I actual was thinking of that. During a disaster AM and FM towers could also be down so statist logic demands other radio types also be activated in smartphones. I can see them amending the new law now.

Why not add, short wave and Ham radio as well?; and if you think about it, it would be easier to protect your phone or an ipad/laptop from an EMP than most traditional devices you have at home. There are also water proof solutions for these small electronics also.