WASHINGTON-The Federal Communications Commission today proposed changing its rules to allow the use of mobile phones on airplanes, but is leaving cell-phone etiquette protocols to be determined by others.
“Good cell-phone etiquette is essential,” said FCC Commissioner Jonathon Adelstein, noting the agency should let others work out etiquette details. “Should you not be able to communicate because it might annoy a person next to you?” asked Adelstein.
The use of mobile phones on airplanes is prohibited under Federal Aviation Administration rules that do not allow electronic transmitting devices while an aircraft is in the air.
FCC Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy said the proposed rule change would allow the FCC to modify its prohibition quickly if the FAA changes its rules. FCC Commissioner Michael Copps, speaking via conference call as he recovers from back surgery, said the agency needs to determine what, if any, authority the FCC has regarding cell-phone etiquette.
Citing safety concerns and passenger confusion, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA recommended that the FCC leave unchanged its existing ban on the use of cell phones on airplanes.
