The U.S Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is studying the possibility of allowing mobile phone use while in-flight.
As the federal agency contemplates on lifting a 22-year old ban implemented on usage of mobile phones while traveling by air, arguments about it arose. The U.S Transportation Department is one of the arguers.
The progress of this plan reflects the different point of views of the federal agencies on allowing passengers to use their mobile phones while in-flight, as technological developments make it safe.
On Thursday, The Transportation Department said that it would gather and consider public comments and reviews before allowing such practices during flights.
Transportation secretary Anthony Foxx told the Financial Times: “Over the past few weeks, we have heard of concerns raised by airlines, travellers, flight attendants, members of Congress and others who are all troubled over the idea of passengers talking on cell phones in flight. I am concerned about this possibility as well.”
Hours after the debate started, the FCC has decided in a 3-2 vote to go on with the expansion of mobile wireless services in-flights.
The proposal would permit airlines to mount in new equipment that would let users use their mobile devices if they want to. Furthermore, the airlines will also decide what activities they would allow during flights.
However, it would still take time for the agency to decide on the rules of the Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Department, and like FCC, the Transportation Department will also gather public comments on this.
FCC Chairman Thomas Wheeler said in the report, “Let me say up front that, I get it. I don’t want the person in the seat next to me yapping at 35,000 feet any more than anyone else.”
However, he added, that since FCC engineers no longer saw any technical reasons to ban the use of devices in the US because the commission has operated internationally with “great success for the last five years,” it is time to invalidate the rule.
“If the basis for the rule is no longer valid, then the rule is no longer valid,” Mr. Wheeler said. “It’s that simple.”
