Recently a local NPR Station hosted a forum discussing mobile use on airlines, highlighting that our European counterparts such as RyanAir & British Airways already allow passengers to use mobile.
Currently, the FCC prohibits in-flight use of cell phones, and there’s a bill pending in Congress to ban mobile from flights altogether . The resistance is partly related to security & unresolved technical issues, such as concerns about interference with navigation equipment. Some of those who support mobile use argue that the same concern was raised before airlines where able to provide wireless capability (wifi) during flight.
However, there are also issues with mobile use on planes due to noise levels and safety (imagine the conference call guy not paying attention to the flight attendants during emergencies) .
Are we behind the times? Or are we better off staying off phone? Do we live in a society so connected and entrenched in personal rights that individuals ssould be able to make a choice of being able to talk on the phone during flights?
What say you? Tell us what you think in our comments section.
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Full Disclosure: I dont talk on my mobile while in flight, however, I am able to text to my staff and colleagues, which allows me to remain productive, especially during market hours. Want to know a slick way to text while in flight? Ask me how…