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Cell Phones on Planes?
So why can't I use my cell phone on airplanes? Would it really interfere with airplane communications, or is it just a scam to try and get me to use those stupid air phones?
The Federal Communications Commission has been examining that very same question since 2004 (though probably not quite in those terms). As you know, current regulations mandate that you turn off any wireless devices (including your phone) while the plane is in the air, but we've all been holding out for a change in those regulations -- hoping that the organization would discover that the rules were over-cautious.
But, alas, in an order released yesterday -- citing "insufficient technical information" on whether or not the phones would cause interference -- the FCC officially shot down the idea by upholding current regulations.
Bummer.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 8)
David Apr 4th 2007 10:55AM
As I understand it, the FCC is concerned with how cell phones in flight may cause interference with ground-based cell systems. It's the FAA that's concerned about interference with flight systems.
nen Apr 4th 2007 11:39AM
Are you kidding me? Thank god for the ban. The last thing I need is to be stuck at 35,000 feet with people who can't go a couple hours without yakking on their phones.
Willy Apr 4th 2007 12:40PM
I agree with nen: give us a break with the idle cell phone chatter. The single best thing about flying is that it gives me a break from people otherwise too lazy to sit quietly for a few minutes.
"Hey... Nuthin'... What're YOU doin'?..."
Lilipad Apr 8th 2007 2:03PM
I could not be happier to hear cell phones can not be used on flights. All you have to do is hear the loud banter on phones when they hit the tarmack to know inflight chats would be a disaster.
Lowtom Apr 8th 2007 2:07PM
It's about time! I can't tell you how irritating it is to be on a flight for a special trip, and all the while I have to listen to people around me talking LOUDLY on their cell phones about nothing in particular other than stuff that SHOULD mostly be private conversation. Then there's the obligatory, "I just pulled into the terminal, so I'll be out in a few minutes ... Love you too ..." routine. Ugh!
R. Posdal Apr 8th 2007 2:13PM
Gad ! It's bad enough with the monster in the seat behind me kicking and whining without having to listen to his mother yak on the phone. All praise QUIET !!
Lisa Apr 8th 2007 2:13PM
Besides the normal screaming, whining children, arguing adults, and obnoxious businessmen, do I really need to hear someone talk on a cell phone on a plane? NOOOOOOO!
Too many people have no etiquette whatsoever when they're talking on their cell phones, anyways. I can't even go out to eat without hearing either a too-loud ringer on a phone, or someone who thinks that he's so important that he can shout into his phone at the table. There's a reason there's a vibrate feature on phones--USE IT! You get a call at the table, quickly silence the ringer, tell the caller to wait a minute, and excuse yourself from the table. What has happened to manners?
rex blanchard Apr 8th 2007 2:48PM
This is the same lunacy that we had in the service. I worked in the ordnance field and we were banned from wearing the permanent press fatigues (we did not look like trees in those days). We were finally authorized to wear the uniform after more than 7 years of study. The study showed that there was no more static build up on the permanent press fatigues that on the heavily starched cotton one that we had to change every day a pay 75 cents to have laundered. I wonder if the same lobby (laundry) is involved with this one. Oh no, it's the companies with the in the seat cell phones (hum what's the difference?) that charge you $12 a minute. Okay it's Easter and I'll stop pontificating except for this. Drug companies pack and ship the same drugs from the same manufacturing lines to different countries (who will remain nameless) and those country's citizens can by them substantially CHEAPER. What you think dahh
arlene Apr 8th 2007 2:21PM
For once the government has it right, now ban the use until passengers are off the plane. Hopefully cell phone use will never be allowed during a flight.
Jude Apr 8th 2007 2:24PM
It is time for civility to be imposed upon us since we are not willing to be civil and courteous by ourselves when it comes to cell phone use. I applaud the decision to ban cell phone use in airplanes. How could anyone remain sane on a long-distance flight with "everyone loves to hear my voice and my business" people on their cell phones drowning out the extraneous noise that already accompanies journies on planes.
Melbourne Tim Apr 8th 2007 2:24PM
Great. One place I can go without needing to listen to "important" people going on and on. If the people that need to use the phone while flying are that great, use a private plane.
Arlo J. Thudpucker Apr 8th 2007 2:24PM
The "Pico Cell" is the name of the the technology that enabled cell calls to be made from airplanes.
It appeared in 2005. Prior to 2005, cell phone calls from aircraft were not possible.
2005.
Not 2001.
So, how were "cell phone calls" made on 9-11-01?
Bob Apr 8th 2007 2:42PM
Goody Goody, thats all we need are those lousy nextel phones ringing all the time. Thanks for the ban
keith Apr 8th 2007 2:31PM
Interfering with the airplane equipment and ground stations have nothing to do with it. The govt. thinks the terrorists will use them to communicate with once on the airplane. Like always,our govt.(who cares so much about our safety. lol) looks us in the face and lies to us. this is just one more freedom taken away, using our phones. Pretty soon, there won't be any left. That is what the terrorists were after all along, causing dissent between the citizens and our govt., and it's working. Our brilliant leaders are doing exactly what they want.
handmadeluck Apr 8th 2007 2:31PM
I can see it now, a guy on a plane: "Can you hear me now, how about now, wait we just dropped 3000 ft. can you hear me now" Thats almost as good as Sanjaya winning American Idol!! Glad to see its not going to happen.
Pk Apr 9th 2007 6:01PM
If you saw the episode of "Mythbusters" recentely, they debunked to myth of cell phones interupting airflights. They tested, re-tested, and over tested all scenarios with cell phones.
Candy Apr 8th 2007 2:33PM
Well why would they want to ban cell phones, that is crazy! Look at Sept 11 people were able to communicate to their families on their cell phones. From the airplanes, and contacting other people to let them know of the terriosts. I think that they would let everyone use a cell phone on a plane incase of emergancy!! And I would hate not being in contact with my family to tell them goodbye, if I didn't have a cell phone on my in the case of Sept 11.
Don Apr 8th 2007 2:36PM
When I carry my cell phone in my private aircraft it will sometimes work while in flight and sometimes it wont, I don't try to use it while in flight but in answer to your 911 question, it is possible for them to have made those calls. The only thing I have noticed is that the higher you are flying the less reliable the signal, it seems to work ok at a few thousand feet, but at 35,000 it is hit or miss.
robert Apr 8th 2007 3:47PM
Until travelers learn how to be polite and we have cell phone manners it would be a total infringment of fellow passangers to allow cell phones during flights. Most of the conversations I hear are not important. Cell phones on planes are a just a bad idea period. If you are that important you would have an assistant to handle the details.
jeannie Apr 8th 2007 2:45PM
Thank God the cell phones are banned. You cannot get one moment of peace and quiet anymore, anywhere, because some inconsiderate person is yakking away on their cell phone. I have no interest in their conversation yet I'm forced to listen to every word. A phone in a real emergency is one thing, idle chit chat is another. Please respect other people's privacy and talk on your phone in your own home or car. An airplane trip is the only quiet some people get the whole day. Respect others, please.