FCC to Seek Comment on Use of Cellphones on Commercial Flights
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said Thursday the FCC will seek comment on whether to allow use of cellphones on airplanes. The NPRM is slated for a vote at the FCC’s Dec. 12 meeting. It will cover use of a phone for text, data and voice through the picocell systems already installed on some airliners, an FCC spokesman said.
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"Today, we circulated a proposal to expand consumer access and choice for in-flight mobile broadband,” Wheeler said in a written statement. “Modern technologies can deliver mobile services in the air safely and reliably, and the time is right to review our outdated and restrictive rules. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues, the [Federal Aviation Administration], and the airline industry on this review of new mobile opportunities for consumers."
The topic was a past subject of investigation for the FCC, before an earlier inquiry was terminated by former Chairman Kevin Martin in March 2007 (CD March 23/07 p8). “We launched that proceeding, but many in the wireless industry expressed concern about whether or not it would create undue interference with terrestrial wireless services,” Martin said then, adding, “The record was still unclear as to whether it would create interference, so at this time it doesn’t make as much sense to go forward."
"We look forward to working with the commission on this pro-consumer, pro-innovation initiative as we seek to strike the critical balance between ensuring airline travel safety and allowing airline passengers to use their devices to stay connected, informed and entertained while on-board,” CEA said in a statement.
"Chairman Wheeler’s statement references only ‘mobile broadband.’ The NPRM could include voice, especially questions about in-flight voice calls,” said Angela Giancarlo of Mayer Brown, a former FCC legal adviser. “But I also suspect that the staff may be prepared for an avalanche of negative feedback on that aspect of the proposal."
The FCC will also take a followup report and order reacting to 911 outages during last year’s derecho. Commissioners will hear two reports, from the Technology Transitions Policy Task Force and from the Wireless Bureau on cellphone unlocking.