Avionics
FCC’s cellphone decision might not end the debate
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has decided to keep in place the rule requiring passengers in the U.S.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has decided to keep in place the rule requiring passengers in the U.S. to turn off cellphones before takeoff. But the ruling might not be enough to end the debate thanks to new mobile telephone technology that is designed to circumvent traditional cellular ground networks.

Already common in Europe, so-called “smartphones” for the U.S. consumer market are on the way. Unlike traditional cellphones, smartphones use available Wi-Fi Internet connections to route calls without tapping into the ground cellular infrastructure. Passengers one day might be allowed to use such phones on aircraft equipped with onboard Wi-Fi connections without violating the FCC’s rules, according to industry insiders. If the technology can be proved safe, the FAA also is likely to allow the use of smartphones.