RSSFCC Keeps Cell Phone Ban on Planes
By Ed Oswald | Published April 4, 2007, 11:08 AM
The Federal Communications Commission has ended an inquiry into allowing the use of cell phones, saying the public comments filed in response to its notice that it was investigating the rule lacked sufficient technical evidence to overturn the ban.
An inquiry may be reopened at a later date, pending more technical data. The FCC first opened up the proceeding to public comment in December 2004 as part of a ruling to allow high-speed wireless Internet on plane flights.
The resulting flood of comments mainly came from airline customers, who complained a lifting of the ban would subject them to the conversations of chatty passengers. Several airlines also claimed the calls would interfere with their on-ground networks.
However, in all cases, little technical evidence was provided to make a change in the policy, the FCC said. "It is apparent that it is premature to decide the issues raised in the Notice," the commissioners wrote.
"We do not believe that seeking further comment at this juncture will provide us with the necessary technical information in the near term. Accordingly, we conclude that this proceeding should be terminated."
Cell phone bans in Europe have been lifted previously, with several companies already working on systems that should begin service sometime this year.
In the United States, any rule change would require the blessing of both the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Aviation Administration. However, so far, the FAA has appeared the most reluctant of the two to change the rules.
Ban on cell phones?
Wonder how the conscences is when the airbus is headed down into a pentagon like building?
Maybe it won't matter then, since violators won't survive for prosecution. Unfortunate for the FCC, isn't it?
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|How about the technical evidence that I left my own cell phone on for four different flights last month and no planes crashed?
The FCC only needs to provide support for airlines to make their own decisions. The airlines can then decide to ban cell phone use and such a company policy can be enforced by the FCC. The government in general needs to stop regulating free enterprise and allow them to make market based decisions for themselves.
If American Airlines wants to allow cell phones or provide enhanced cell services then it will push those passengers not wanting to listen in on to other airlines and attract customers seeking the service. When the FCC and FAA make the decision it simply levels the playing field and prevents free enterprise.
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|Thank goodness!
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|AMEN!! Now if they would just extend the ban to include all public buildings and automobiles....
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|you need to just deal with it i say, try and mind your own business (douchebag). if someone is going to annoy you and be obnoxious they can certainly do it with or without a cellphone.
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|And i can just picture you....LOL
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|ROTFLAYSA !!Youre entitled to your opinion, opinions are like a$$holes, everybody has at least one. You sir, or whatever the hell you are, are just one great big opinion. And you just showed the whole world your true character.LOL
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|Yup, and you are the proof of your own statement.
Now, about the cellphones: I kind of like the idea of taking and crushing the phones of obnoxious little a-holes who think we all need to know how much they love their sweet baby, or how much friggin money they ripped off in that last real estate deal.
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|While I personally agree with your point, I think you need to reevaluate how you present it.
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|Would your relief be any different if the airlines were able to decide this for themselves? Most airlines are for this restriction as are many of their customers.
There is no technical reason to restrict cell phones on planes, and that really means the FCC does not have jurisdiction over the issue. Many of us can be thankful they have abused their authority but where does such abuse of power stop? Where did such abuse of powers even start?
Take a step back and think hard about what the FCC has authority over. Then look at the reasons why this ban is in place.
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|no, it was presented in that fashion to make the point. people to an extent should be free to do as they please, and deal with the consequences. if i get loud in any manner on a flight an attendant will tell me to quiet down. if i cause a problem the police will be waiting on the runway, maybe even a mid air arrest, simple as that. this would be the same with or without a phone. just put on your headphones and don't worry about me. i just want to talk quietly, browse the web or text and pass the time.
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