Reaction Mixed on Cellphones in Flight Order

The Telecommunications Industry Association expressed regrets on a proposed order from the FCC ending a 2013 proceeding, which could have relaxed rules on cellphone discussions on commercial flights (see 1704100066). “We believe the FCC should reconsider its decision to keep this regulation, which serves as a barrier to consumer choice and innovation,” TIA said in a news release. “There is no technical or safety reason why in-flight mobile data and voice applications should not be allowed to operate on board aircraft. The industry’s longstanding position is to avoid the prioritization of one technology over another.” TIA noted airlines are already permitted to provide Wi-Fi: “TIA believes the FCC should encourage competition and innovation by allowing them to provide access through additional network technologies.” But the Association of Flight Attendants, a labor union, hailed the move. "The traveling public and crew members do not want voice calls on planes,” the group said. “It would jeopardize safety, security, increase conflict and exponentially raise the annoyance level of everyone in the cabin. Now the DOT [Department of Transportation] should follow the FCC's lead and ban voice calls inflight. That's the only sensible, safe and secure course of action."