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FCC Contemplating Allowing Cell Conversations on Planes

The FAA recently decided to back off of in-flight electronics restrictions, and now the FCC is contemplating taking take things further and allowing phone conversations in flight. According to a paywalled report by the Wall Street Journal, anonymous sources say the FCC is working to change rules that would allow wireless phone conversations above 10,000 feet.

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The issue has long been contentious due to the obvious annoyance of having to listen to the idiot in 17B blather on while you're trying to read or sleep. Says the Journal:
quote:
While phone use would still be restricted during takeoff and landing, the proposal would lift an FCC ban on airborne calls and cellular data use by passengers once a flight reaches 10,000 feet, an FCC official said...The proposal is scheduled to be discussed at the commission's December meeting. If implemented, it would then be up to the airlines to decide whether to allow voice calls.
The FCC proposed the same lifting of in-flight voice conversations in 2004, but backed off after numerous groups -- including flight attendants -- strongly opposed the rule change due to added in-flight nuisance. The same will likely happen again here, but the FCC clearly is eager to test their luck.

Update: After the story broke, the FCC issued a short statement on the rule making proposal, which mentions "mobile broadband" but oddly omits mentioning the incessant chatter of voice communications:
quote:
Today, we circulated a proposal to expand consumer access and choice for in-flight mobile broadband. Modern technologies can deliver mobile services in the air safely and reliably, and the time is right to review our outdated and restrictive rules. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues, the FAA, and the airline industry on this review of new mobile opportunities for consumers."

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