Tech, recording, wireless companies endorse Eshoo/Issa resolution

The recording, technology and wireless industries teamed up on to say Congress should not mandate cellphone makers to include radio chips on their devices.

They endorsed a resolution from Reps Anna Eshoo (D-CA), ranking member of the Communications subcommittee, and Rep Darrell Issa (R-CA) that says just that. The chip mandate proposal originated as a way to resolve a long-term dispute between the broadcasters and recording studios. Last year, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) signaled a willingness to support a chip mandate desired by broadcasters if radio stations would begin paying fees to musicians for airing their songs. But the chip proposal was quickly panned by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and wireless companies and failed to gain traction on Capitol Hill.