Feds Move On Wireless Web, Cell Phones In Flight
Federal regulators have proposed allowing cell phones to be used on airplanes, and took steps toward bringing high-speed wireless Internet connections to passengers' seats.
Source: c|netAir travelers will be able to surf the Net while in flight as soon as 2006, and the ban on cell phone use on airplanes could eventually be lifted as well, if moves made Wednesday by the Federal Communications Commission pan out.
To date, wireless devices can't be used once the airplane door is closed. The FCC voted unanimously on Wednesday to auction off new spectrum that could be used to provide high-speed wireless Internet access to planes in flight. Commissioners also took a strong move toward allowing cell phones to be used on airplanes, calling for public comment on the issue. Air travelers who don't like being out of touch with the ground will be able to use wireless connections to check e-mail, surf the Internet, and eventually could make cell phone calls from the air. That could be good news for many business travelers, and probably bad news for those who like a little peace and quiet.
But flyers won't be locking themselves in plane bathrooms for the quiet, or popping tiny bottles of champagne in celebration, any time soon.
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