"FCC says 'no' to cellphone talkers on planes"

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

FCC upholds ban on cellphones in flight 
The Associated Press


WASHINGTON (AP) - The Federal Communications Commission has officially
grounded the idea of allowing airline passengers to use cellular telephones
while in flight.

Existing rules require cellular phones to be turned off once an aircraft
leaves the ground in order to avoid interfering with cellular network
systems on the ground. The agency began examining the issue in December
2004.

Federal Aviation Administration regulations also restrict the use of
cellular phones and other portable electronic devices onboard aircraft to
ensure against interference with the aircraft's navigation and communication
systems.

In an order released Tuesday, the FCC noted that there was "insufficient
technical information" available on whether airborne cellphone calls would
jam networks on the ground.

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