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FCC, FAA Still Don't Want Cell Phones on Planes
mattnyc99 writes "Last month we learned that the UK has approved in-flight mobile, effective immediately. Popular Mechanics has a follow-up on why the phones-on-planes ban is here to stay in the United States. Statements from the FCC and FAA confirm that any chance to overturn it remains dead on arrival — even though new "pico-cell" networks cut down interference with phones on the ground. American Airlines is looking like it will have onboard Wi-Fi within the next couple months, just the same. PM does note, however, that if the European mobile rollout is a success, US carriers might just have to give into demand."
"Babies? Heck they are babies, they don't know any better. It is the adults that make the flights hell."
..."
Agreed.
There's nothing worse than having to listen to a crying baby AND having to listen to the qwack mother trying to get it to STFU.
"Oh why is my wittle baby cwying ? What's da matter sweetie it's ok sush shush hush
Ugh I want to punch them both.
Not only were they using unshielded equipment, they had the equivalent of their own cell tower sitting right next to the components. If they weren't able to cause interference in those situations then there was something wrong with the test.
Obviously, when they tested "full scale" with a real plane (which has shielded wiring/components), even with the ridiculously overpowered RF, they got no interference.
If it was possible for cell phones to take down airplanes, planes would be falling from the sky all the time.
How many people forget to turn off their phones per flight?
How often do planes fly near cell/radio/tv towers?
If a plane can get hit by lightening without incident (maybe some scarring on the paint), I find it hard to believe cellphones will cause it to suddenly slam into the ground.
How is using a cell phone in a restaurant a nuisance to other customers? Holy shit get off your high horse. It's a restaurant. People eat there. What do people do while eating? They talk to each other. How is the phone somehow different? It only bothers you because you choose to have it bother you.