WASHINGTON – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will consider a controversial plan today to allow cell phone use on airplanes.
At its Open Commission Meeting set for Thursday afternoon, the FCC will discuss expanding access to mobile wireless services onboard aircraft. The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to revise outdated rules and provide airlines with the ability to permit passengers to use mobile wireless services via onboard airborne access systems.
Even as the FCC considers this new privilege to air travelers, the U.S. of Representatives is considering a ban on cell phone use on planes.
An act known as the “Prohibiting In-Flight Voice Communications on Mobile Wireless Devices Act of 2013” was introduced this week by Bill Shuster (R-PA). The bill would prohibit in-flight cell phone voice communications on commercial aviation flights.
Shuster’s legislation comes in the wake of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) plans to review the current ban on the use of cell phones for calls in the aircraft cabin during flights.
“Let’s face it, airplane cabins are by nature noisy, crowded, and confined,” Shuster said. “For the most part, passengers are looking for ways to make their flights go by as quickly and quietly as possible. Pilots and flight attendants are focused on ensuring a safe and comfortable flight for everyone onboard.
“For passengers, being able to use their phones and tablets to get online or send text messages is a useful in-flight option. But if passengers are going to be forced to listen to the gossip in the aisle seat, it’s going to make for a very long flight,” Shuster said. “For those few hours in the air with 150 other people, it’s just common sense that we all keep our personal lives to ourselves and stay off the phone.”
The legislation simply prohibits use of mobile devices for voice communications during the in-flight portion of any scheduled domestic commercial flight, exempting any on-duty members of the flight crew and flight attendants, or federal law enforcement personnel acting in an official capacity.
Shot from @RepBillShuster's interview with @BloombergTV, discussing his cell phone bill. #aviation #flightserenity pic.twitter.com/1iLYfd8HLf
— T&I Committee Republicans (@TransportGOP) December 12, 2013
"He said what? No, I’ll be on this plane for hours. Please, I want to hear everything" #SaidNoOneEver #FlightSerenity pic.twitter.com/CHrDJGeUez
— T&I Committee Republicans (@TransportGOP) December 9, 2013
It looks like the U.S. D.O.T. is going to ban in flight cell phone use.
Not a good idea – flying has become a royal pain in the back side compared to years ago.
I don’t want to listen to someone chatter on while trying to get some Zzzz’s.
Ya, he was probably on drugs Larry Vermin…lol
I don’t know how people feel now but it was bad enough back when I used to put on a million miles a year in the air. Back then they just had the plane phones but there was always some jerk who thought he was important and was probably high on drugs that used to shoot off his mouth for hours. Must have been on a unlimited expense account because I called my wife once from 30,000 feet and it cost a fortune. There is enough noise on a plane now what with kids and all. If they wanted to limit the use to a certain time period I would think that would help with business.
“.. back when I used to put on a million miles a year in the air.”
Oh LVS, 1,000,000 miles flown a year…seriously?
Equivalent of over 40 times around the world.
Equivalent of over 2700 miles every day for 365 days.
Equivalent of over 19,000 miles every week for 52 weeks.
Oh wait, must have been a leap year….that makes much more sense.
There is one guy that I know of that actually did that, and it sure as heck wasn’t you.
As usual, you’re just blowing smoke out your butt.
And speaking of butts, your butt must get real jealous, what with all the crap that comes out of your mouth.
You are really showing your stupidity now. You know nothing about my career. I was World Manufacturing Manager for a major machine tool manufacturer. I set up and maintained operations all over the world. I wouldn’t expect a card carrying idiot like you to know anything about it. You are probably that liar Iowa Sucks posting under a different name again.