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So I went and looked for myself. According to the FCC cellular FAQ, their regs ban cell use only when the plane is in the air. (Section 22.925 47 CFR Part 22.) I couldn't find an official explanation as to why, but news reports say that FCC hearings in 1991 raised concerns over interference ground networks. In any case, it's difficult to see why else the FCC would care.

This regulation may or may not make sense technically, but it does exist.

As for use of electronic gadgets on airplanes, that's covered by this FAA circular. Transmitters of any kind are banned. There's nothing specific about receivers or other gadgets, but operators are required to make their own rules banning devices that might interfere with the operation of the plane. So obviously the rules against "things with antennas" and lasers come from the airlanes -- or maybe even individual flight crew.

Here's my last word on the gas station story. Your logic is very interesting, but I prefer to actually count the teeth. In a previous link (I can't be bothered to find and post it again) I referred to a safety expert who reported the utter absence of this episode in his professional literature.

Perhaps you would like to quote the original source? [warning-popup ad]

I found this on Google. It attributes the quote to Andy Rooney.