FCC Considering Allowing Cellular Calls To Be Placed In-Flight

Previously we had reported how the FAA had decided that it would be OK for passengers to use their personal electronic devices (PEDs) during all stages of the flight. However there were limitations, such as the type of device being used (laptops were a no-go), and that calls were not allowed to be placed, although in the case of Southwest Airlines, they will provide WiFi so presumably VoIP is still good to go. In any case it seems that in light of this recent development, the US FCC is considering lifting restrictions on placing calls and allowing cellular voice to be used above 10,000 feet, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.

This proposal is expected to be presented at a meeting in December, and assuming it is approved, airline companies will be able to allow passengers to use their devices to place calls mid-air. However it seems that despite the possibility that this rule could be relaxed, not all airline companies are enthused by the idea as they claim that this could affect passenger comfort, such as having to deal with a passenger yakking on the flight non-stop for the next 3-hours. Airlines would also be required to install special equipment to communicate with cell towers, which is an added expense that they might not deem to be worth it. Either way we guess we will just have to wait and see, but in the meantime are you for or against this proposal?

Tyler Lee
Categories: Cellphones
Tags: FCC