First time here? Check out the site's "greatest hits" or read a random post from the archives. Feel free to ask a question, and consider subscribing to the latest posts via RSS or e-mail. Thanks for visiting!

The tide appears to have turned on inflight cellphone use, and passengers hoping to catch a few winks in-flight may be relieved.

The Federal Communications Commission is apparently withdrawing its previous support for the use of cellular phones onboard commercial aircraft.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin is recommending the FCC drop its tentative plan to lift its ban on in-flight cellphone use, three agency officials say. They asked to remain anonymous because the proposal is still being considered. Most of the agency’s five commissioners support the recommendation, the FCC officials say.

The reason given is technical, not etiquette. Tests showed that the inflight systems interfered with mobile phone communication on the ground.

No word yet on how this might affect plans for cellular data transmission. But voice is out. No more worries about trying to sleep while a chatterbox gabs away in the adjacent seat.

Hallelujah.

(image)
Related:
- Secrets of inflight cellphone use — revealed!
- “No Cellphones” light to be added to aircraft interiors
- Emirates promises (or threatens) inflight cellphones on longhaul flights
- No to cellphones, yes to VoIP in the sky?