Chairman Statement on In-Flight Mobile Wirele Services Proposal

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See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).

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November 22, 2013

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STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN TOM WHEELER ON FCC IN-FLIGHT MOBILE WIRELESS

SERVICES PROPOSAL

Washington, D.C. - Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler has issued the

following statement:

Yesterday we announced a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposal that recognizes that

there is no technical reason to prohibit mobile devices from interfacing with the onboard wireless data

systems being installed on many aircraft. If the Commission adopts this proposal after the public has had

the opportunity to comment it will be only a technical advisory, an update to our rules. There is nothing

in the proposal that prohibits airlines from developing whatever in-flight phone usage policy they may

wish.

The job of the FCC with respect to this issue is limited to issues related to communications technology.

Technology is available and being deployed today on flights outside the United States that permits use of

mobile devices on planes without causing interference to cell phone networks on the ground. These

advances in technology likely no longer warrant - on a technological basis - the prohibition of in-flight

phone use with the appropriate on-board equipment.

We understand that many passengers would prefer that voice calls not be made on airplanes. I feel that

way myself. Ultimately, if the FCC adopts the proposal in the coming months, it will be airlines'

decisions, in consultation with their customers, as to whether to permit voice calls while airborne. The

European Union has had a similar policy since 2008. That experience has demonstrated that it is possible

to adjust the on-board communications equipment not to handle voice traffic, thus effectively shutting

down any calls.

We believe that airlines are best positioned to make such decisions. For this reason, our proposal does

not impose any requirement that airlines should provide voice connectivity. We encourage airlines,

pilots, flight attendants, and the public to engage in our upcoming rulemaking process.

-FCC-

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LINK:	http://www.fcc.gov/document/chairman-statement-flight-mobile-wireless-...
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