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On the other hand, if advanced cultures on other worlds have achieved FTL travel, then they also must communicate with a technology that is faster than light. This is more of what I was referring to when I commented that METI and SETI were on the wrong frequencies.

That makes sense to me, otherwise, the mail would arrive before the phone call.

Until we can communicate FTL or at least receive transmissions, we won't hear any incoming traffic any more than we'd hear FM radio tuned in to AM.

Until we can communicate FTL or at least receive transmissions, we won't hear any incoming traffic any more than we'd hear FM radio tuned in to AM.

Actually you can tune in FM signals using AM mode. All you do is tune in the signal and go off frequency a little on either side of the signal. This is called slope detection where because you're off frequency a little, the FM signal is "converted" into AM and thus can be received. It isn't the greatest fidelity but it is readable. I used to pick up the old, old cordless phones from the late 1970's and early 1980's when the base transmitted above the AM band ( in the 1650 - 1750 kc area) to the handset on my old Sanyo RP-8700. The signal was FM but my radio being AM, I was able to do this. I'm an amateur radio operator. Now tuning in AM signals in FM mode doesn't fly too well, I tried to tune in aircraft (they use AM) in the 118 to 137 Mc area using the FM detector in my scanner, didn't work too well. I also have a 1970's Radio Shack Patrolman radio that tunes in VHF-Lo/Hi and UHF-Lo/Hi and I believe the detector is AM although most of those signals are FM. I can tune in the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds that use the 137 - 144 Mc Government band very well and they use AM mode. I remember one airshow, I live near the airport, where the neighborhood turned out to watch the Thunderbirds and I had my old Patrolman on tuning in the planes and the neighbors thought it was a hoot.