An application that will allow phone calls in an airplane is now trashed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

According to ARS Technica, the FCC has forbidden in-flight phone calls way back in 1991 because of apprehensions about intervention with wireless networks on the ground. But then, with the developments in technology, these concerns have been addressed. This hasn't changed the fact that in-flight phone calls could be annoying to fellow passengers, though.

It was in 2013 when a proposal to lift the in-flight phone call has been made. Unluckily, FCC chairman Ajit Pai has proposed that this motion should be trashed.

"I stand with airline pilots, flight attendants, and America's flying public against the FCC's ill-conceived 2013 plan to allow people to make cell phone calls on planes," Pai said.

The FCC chairman further added that "I do not believe that moving forward with this plan is in the public interest. Taking it off the table permanently will be a victory for Americans across the country who, like me, value a moment of quiet at 30,000 feet." Nonetheless, using of phones for texting and Internet use will still be permitted.

Furthermore, Engadget has noted that distinct from many of Pai's moves, this suggestion will likely won't face much public disagreement since there are travelers who really don't want to pay attention to others' conversations. Also, this proposal isn't such a bold decision since the concept of in-flight calls isn't expected to obtain huge support. Moreover, airlines like Delta already swore to ban in-flight calls even if the FCC permitted them.

For reference, it was FCC chairman Tom Wheeler; who distributed a proposal to lift the in-flight calling ban way back November 2013. He stated that "modern technologies can deliver mobile services in the air safely and reliably, and the time is right to review our outdated and restrictive rules." But now this application has been dismissed and it is somewhat not a huge decision that Pai has made.

Read more
Tags
Fcc