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FCC Says No To Airborne Cell Phone Use

April 4, 2007

Cells Aloft/Adrift • Airlines Compete for Inflight Internet • Cell Phones Invade Qantas, Emirates Air • Study Warns Cell Phones Could Cause Airliner Crash • Cell Phones Go to Sea • FAA Leery Of Cell Phone Use On Airliners • Feds Want to Eavesdrop on Airborne Internet Users • Astronomers Worried About Cell Phones on Airliners • Survey Warns of Air Rage • In-Flight Cell Phone System Survives Test Flight • FCC Moves Ahead on Airborne Wireless Voice and Data

Delayed flights, crowded planes and lost luggage may continuing to make airline travel an unpleasant experience, but at least the person in the seat next to you won't be yakking on their cell phone the entire trip. The Federal Communications Commission has formally slammed the receiver down on that proposal, at least for now.

But some international airlines are proceeding with plans to allow cell phones outside U.S. airspace. Qantas and Emirates, will soon introduce limited inflight cellphone service that could become a trend-setter for the industry.

Qantas will allow only e-mail, text message, and actual calls only within Australia. Emirates will permit only six passengers to use cells simultaneously and will not permit any calls at night.

In December 2004, the FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to examine the existing rule that requires cellular phones to be turned off once an aircraft leaves the ground in order to avoid interfering with cellular network systems on the ground.

The agency opted for the status quo in releasing a Memorandum Opinion and Order that terminates its proceeding on the use of cellular phones on airplanes.

Had the FCC ruled otherwise, it might have had an inter-agency fight on its hands.

The Federal Aviation Administration has long had regulations in place to restrict the use of cell phones and other portable electronic devices onboard aircraft to ensure against interference with the aircraft's navigation and communication systems. The was no indication from the FAA that it was willing to reconsider that safety measure.

But in closing the matter, the FCC left the door open a crack.

It said comments filed in response to its notice of proposed rulemaking did not provide sufficient technical information on whether the use of cellular phones onboard aircraft may cause harmful interference to terrestrial networks. Further, it said, because airlines, manufacturers, and wireless providers are still researching the use of cell phones and other PEDs onboard aircraft, "it would be premature to seek further comment at this juncture."

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