News.com reports that the FCC has dropped its inquiry into lifting an in-flight cell phone ban: The agency released an order that drops the consideration because of technical concerns. The cell industry association (CTIA) agreed with the FCC decision, because they maintain that in-flight cell phone use would interfere with terrestrial networks; tests of on-board picocells seem to have contradicted that, but I don't have access the data. The FAA's advisory body--the RTCA, which is an industry-led technical group--has yet to release its airworthiness recommendations for the entire panoply of electromagnetic radiation-producing devices, including cell phones. The RTCA does have the picocell data, by the way, because their members include airlines and plane makers.
Journal story not quite right on cells in flight: This Wall Street Journal story about in-flight calling and broadband by Scott McCartney, who I usually rely on as an expert on air travel, is full of errors, starting with "the FCC has already auctioned off radio spectrum for cellphone use..." The spectrum was for broadband network access, which might include voice, but, you know, see FCC story above. McCartney says that only 14 calls could be made at the same time; that's with Inmarsat's third-generation satellite, not with AirCell's equipment nor with Inmarsat 4G hookups. And so on. I checked with AirCell, and they said voice is nowhere on their near-term roadmap; cell data devices are of much greater interest, but that's still down the road.
Is it really necessary to use cell phones on planes and in cars, especially when there is the real possibility of potential danger? How about a modicum of quietness for those who cannot bear the self-important, insufferable boors who subject all of us to their cell phone stupidities?
Cell phone addicts are unconscious, disrespectful, discourteous and obnoxious. Public transportation and areas; doctors' offices; theaters; restaurants; checkout lines; just about everywhere. In their own dream world walking like zombies in the street, or "driving" their cars. Their business, everyone's business. Unable to bear silence or be by, or with, themselves for a moment. Totally oblivious to---and inconsiderate of---their neighbors.
Cell phones will be as ubiquitous in airplanes as they are in places where we are all held captive. These (ab)users ought to be relegated to their own soundproof cabin, compelled to suffer one another's inanities. For the entire flight.
I, and hopefully those who share these feelings, will give our business to the airlines that have the sense to ban them.