Four good reasons for enabling the FM radio: it is much less expensive than streaming audio, it is more convenient than downloading new music and podcasts, the phone's storage capacity is limited, and it offers more local content.

Another usage case is to receive information during an emergency. Cellular networks are frequently overloaded and aren't equipped with sufficient backup power for extended power outages. A simple FM radio (standalone or integrated into a phone) offers the opportunity to receive information without relying upon word-of-mouth.