Originally published on January 1, 2014
The Federal Communications Commision is considering lifting the ban on in-flight cell phone calls, a move that would give airlines the option to allow passengers to make cellphone calls during flights.
The ban against in-flight calls was adopted in 1991 due to fears that cellphone signals would interfere with wireless networks on the ground and affect planes' navigation systems, although current technology has rendered these fears irrelevant.
Several airlines including Virgin Atlantic have equipped their jets with mini cell phone towers to transmit to satellites, which then redirects signals to ground stations. For nearly 10 years, these international jets have had to turn off their towers while within U.S. airspace.
Gogo, an approved in-flight Wi-Fi provider, has built a broadband network in the sky with upturned cell towers that would enable passengers to make calls and send texts on flights across continental U.S.
"The technologies already exist and we already have them — it's up to the airlines to enable it," said Gogo in a Verge report. "The only issue for Gogo is airlines, not the FCC's decision."
However, several airlines have suggested that they will not allow in-flight calls. Delta CEO Richard Anderson said his airline would not allow in-flight calls, referring to them as "a disruption to the travel experience." Virgin America and Southwest Airlines have also indicated that they will not allow in-flight calls, even if FCC lifts the ban.
"Ultimately, if the FCC adopts new rules, it will be the airlines' decision, in consultation with their customers, and consistent with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Transportation (USDOT) rules, whether to permit internet access, texting and voice services on mobile wireless devices while airborne," the FCC said in a statement.
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