14 DAY TRIAL // At some point in time, the FCC came up with the idea that passengers should be allowed to use mobile phones on airplanes. Such an idea was first proposed in late 2004 and was followed by constant concerns regarding interference with cellphone calls on the ground.
The industry has attempted to overcome any obstacles and make the technology available to passengers by introducing small antennas, known as pico cells that would relay calls to earthbound towers over spectrum.
According to Vice President Chris Guttman-McCabe, CTIA conducted several tests last year that revealed in-flight calls still cause interference.
AirCell CEO Jack Blumstein on the other hand says that interference issues can be fixed, with the largest obstacle being lack of enthusiasm by both consumers and wireless carriers for in-flight cellphone use. While there are companies that support each of the two opinions, in the end the FCC as well as the customers have the final word on this.
Recently, FCC Chairman Kevin martin recommended the FCC drop its attempt to lift the ban on in-flight cell phone use. According to three agency officials, most of the agency's five commissioners support the recommendation.
Also, Customers seem to agree with the FCC Chairman's opinion, and in a survey conducted by USA Today in 2006, 68 percent of the respondents preferred that the ban be kept also believing that in-flight cellphone use could be disruptive. Taking all this into account, chances of cellphone use being permitted while on a plane are very slim and they will most likely stay that way until the industry comes up with a better solution.