For some, cell phone conversations in a close proximity (like planes) is annoying, and for some, banning it would be the breach of consumer rights. Here is some good news for those who find it annoying - the Department of Transportation (DOT) is looking into the possibility of continuing the ban on in-flight calls.
"Over the past few weeks, we have heard of concerns raised by airlines, travelers, flight attendants, members of Congress and others who are all troubled over the idea of passengers talking on cell phones in flight -- and I am concerned about this possibility, as well," Secretary of Transportation, Anthony Foxx said in a statement.
In-flight calls have been prohibited for 22 years due to technical challenges but since technological advances have resolved the concerns, another agency the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) wants to lift the ban, crossing swords with the DOT.
The FCC voted 3-2 to consider lifting its ban on in-flight cell phone use. "There is a need to recognize that there is a new technology," FCC Chairman Thomas Wheeler said. "This is a technical rule. It is a rule about technology. It is not a rule of usage."
The proposal by FCC has come just after weeks when the Federal Aviation Administration lifted the ban on using electronic gadgets like iPads and Kindles below 10,000 feet.
According to a poll by Associated Press-GfK, 48 percent of Americans gave thumbs down to in-flight calls and only 19 percent welcomed it. The rest 30 percent of fliers were neutral.
However if everything goes FCC way, airlines will still be able to regulate the passenger's mobile services.
"The airline would be in total control of what types of mobile services to permit," Wheeler added. "A mobile device can send texts and emails, and can surf the Web. A mobile device can also make a voice call. The technology allows for the differentiation among such services. Thus, airlines would be free to make their own determination whether to program the new equipment to block voice calls while permitting texting, email and Web surfing, consistent with the rules of the authorities on aviation safety."
