The vast majority of airline passengers won't care why the Federal Communications did it, but the agency had the good sense to decide to keep a rule in place prohibiting cell phone use during flights. The FCC said the reason was technical, but a ton of travelers -- including frequent business travelers, flight attendants and vacationers -- had sent comments opposing the change. Even if the FCC had said OK, the Federal Aviation Administration still could have prevented phone use after the aircraft door is closed. The reason for keeping the ban is that no one is sure that cell phoness won't interfere with navigational equipment during key times of a flight. There are even questions whether other electroinic devices, such as PDAs and laptops, which are now allowed over 10,000 feet, could cause the same kind of interferece, a subject that needs considerably more study.
Now you know what we think. Tell us your opinion of the FCC decision. Learn a little more about the ruling here
Comments (3)
It always amazes me as soon as my flight lands, cell phone start chirping.. Can't people wait until the plane reaches the gate? Just like cell phone going off in... resturants, movies, dining places... OH BROTHER...
YHS
Posted by steve | April 4, 2007 3:04 PM
Posted on April 4, 2007 15:04
Good decision, I'm usually grabbing a catnap or working on a flight, and the ban on cellphones has been great. I know I'm not alone in not caring about other peoples personal lives (which many cell phone users seem to think we all are).
Posted by jimmy mack | April 6, 2007 12:35 PM
Posted on April 6, 2007 12:35
I'm delighted. I don't care why, just that because of the decision I'm spared one side (or in the case of the walkie-talkie featured, both sides with annoying chirps) of the arguments with spouses, children, friends, relatives.
Also, I'm often amazed at what business people will discuss in public. Do they not realize a customer, prospect, competitor, journalist, or analyst can be listening and anything they say is public?
I once sat next to a man having an extremely interesting conversation about a potential promotional agreement for his client (who's identity I had figured out). I kindly interrupted him, and explained I was a sportswriter (which I am, when not publishing financial market research in my day job). He blanched and said, "Sorry, Nolan, I'll have to call you back." Yeah. Nolan Ryan's private information discussed openly on a train. Sheesh.
Posted by Deborah | April 9, 2007 12:56 AM
Posted on April 9, 2007 00:56