Soon you will be able to make in-flight calls with your mobile phone, if all goes well.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reportedly intends to remove the restriction on in-flight cellular voice calls. However, a few airlines are not in favor of this feature being implemented owing to passenger comfort concerns.
Per a Wall Street Journal report, the FCC is soon going to propose the relaxation of limitations that prohibits passengers from making phone calls or connecting to data when on flight.
"The Federal Communications Commission said it will soon propose allowing passengers to use their cellphones on airplanes, setting up a debate that will pit the technically possible against the socially tolerable," reports the WSJ. "While cellphone use would still be restricted during takeoff and landing, the proposal would lift an FCC ban on airborne calls and cellular-data use by passengers once a flight reaches 10,000 feet."
Sources who are "familiar with the matter" have revealed to the publication that the proposal will be presented at an upcoming FCC meeting this December.
"The FCC proposal is scheduled to be discussed at the commission's December meeting. The proposal will be sent out as what is known as a Notice of Proposed Rule Making, in which the agency will invite comments on the idea before making a final decision. The entire process could take months," per WSJ.
In the event the proposed measure is adopted, airlines will have the option of allowing in-flight calling if they want. This process may, however, take months to complete.
The latest information comes in after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced recently that it would allow passengers to use electronic devices "during all phases of flight."
"Modern technologies can deliver mobile services in the air safely and reliably, and the time is right to review our outdated and restrictive rules," said FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler. "I look forward to working closely with my colleagues, the FAA and the airline industry on this review of new mobile opportunities for consumers."
The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) has lauded the FCC for taking into consideration the change.
"TIA supports initiatives to make mobile broadband services, including Internet access, available to passengers and flight crews aboard commercial airliners and private aircraft," said TIA President Grant Seiffert. "We look forward to examining the specific proposals of the commission in this matter.
