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FCC, FAA Still Don't Want Cell Phones on Planes

Posted by Zonk on from the probably-a-terrorist-plot dept.

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."

3 of 300 comments (clear)

  1. Lies by mcelrath · · Score: 1, Troll

    Mostly, I'm sick of being lied to in the "safety" spiel at the beginning of every flight. As TFA states, there is no corroborating evidence of interference with the plane's navigation systems. If there were, the FCC is not doing their job of certifying devices, and some heads need to roll over there.

    I have no problem with turning them off, but stop telling us everything is for our "safety" and herding us like scared little sheep. People deserve to be treated intelligently, and with respect.

    --
    1^2=1; (-1)^2=1; 1^2=(-1)^2; 1=-1; 1=0.
  2. Re:I don't want cell phones on planes. by Azghoul · · Score: 1, Troll

    So because you don't LIKE it, it should be ILLEGAL and punishable by a court of law?

    Okay. Tell us some of the things you DO like so we can fuck with them.

  3. A demonstrative comment from TA by The+End+Of+Days · · Score: 0, Troll
    This clearly shows the incorrect attitude people are taking toward cell phone usage, and to my mind, goes a long way toward pointing the stupid-finger at those who oppose cell phone use

    When cellphone use is permitted in the US is when I will limit myself to carriers prohibiting their use. There are too many blowhards now at the gate who are soooo impressed with themselves they want everyone to know their business; like any of us really care. No, anonymous jackass, we really don't care if you're listening to us. The phone isn't to impress you, no matter how important you feel you are. It is to communicate. You, as an apparent Luddite, may not enjoy communicating with your fellow humans, but many of us do. We certainly aren't doing it for anything to do with you, however. Again, you just aren't that important.

    From a psychological perspective, this ties neatly into paranoia as well, since one of the symptoms of paranoia is an inappropriate feeling of personal importance.