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FCC to Auction Airwaves for Inflight Internet
maotx writes "The FCC is set to auction off existing licensed frequencies from Verizon on May 10 to provide communication services such as high-speed Internet to U.S. air travelers. Verizon is the current licensee of the range for their onboard phones found on most commercial jets. The auction will force Verizon to use the 1MHz range. FCC Commissioner Michael Copps fears that such an auction could allow a single provider to have a monopoly that could prey on consumers. The FCC is also weighing whether to allow consumers to use their own cell phones on planes."
I can't stand cellphones here on the ground, and if I was stuck in a small cabin full of dingbats yapping about pointless shit on their phones, I'd go nuts. Definitely encouragement to bring headphones and some shiny plastic filled with serious metal bands. So, I'm happy to see them banned, no matter what the stupid excuse. However, if they legalize cellphones on planes, they might finally have to admit that one tiny 800-900 or 1800-1900MHz signal won't bring the plane down. I know, local repeaters forcing the phones to lower their power, but still...
Pet peeve - people who instinctively ask on a cellphone - "So, where are you?" Lemme whack about 98% of those people with a cluebat - you really don't fucking care. You don't need to ask the question, because you can't do anything useful with the answer. It's a bad, idiotic habit - stop it. The remaining 2% may have a valid reason for wanting that information. The rest of youm shut the hell up and stop asking. Imagine a whole cabin of morons going, "Hello... Well, I'm on a plane right now..."
Good thing I don't fly anymore. Too much hassle. I'd rather drive. Peaceful serenity at 80 mph and 40 mpg.