FCC may lift ban on in-flight use of cellphones

The Federal Communications Commission is considering allowing use of cellphones and mobile broadband services on airplanes above 10,000 feet, officials said. The use of cellular devices for making phone calls or surfing the Web in-flight, previously restricted, could be permitted under a proposed rulemaking the FCC is circulating among its commissioners, CNET reported Thursday. Changing technology has prompted the commission to revisit the issue, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said. "Modern technologies can deliver mobile services in the air safely and reliably, and the time is right to review our outdated and restrictive rules," he said in a statement. "I look forward to working closely with my colleagues, the [Federal Aviation Administration], and the airline industry on this review of new mobile opportunities for consumers." The proposed changes would allow consumers to use cellular voice and data services once an aircraft reaches 10,000 feet, but devices would need to be switched into airplane mode during takeoff and landing, officials said. Even if the new rules are passed, FCC officials said, airlines would not be forced to allow people to talk on phones or use cellular data services while in the air and could still unilaterally impose restrictions on usage.