Home › News ›

FAA to Allow Wider Use of Personal Devices on Planes

Article Comments

Oct 31, 2013, 9:49 AM by Eric M. Zeman
updated Oct 31, 2013, 11:24 AM

The Federal Aviation Administration today voted in favor of allowing airlines to expand the use of personal electronics during all phases of flight. Today's decision follows a lengthy review of the existing policy, which requires that all devices be turned off during take-off and landing. The FAA studied the possible effects on safety that expanded use of electronics might have, and found that their use is generally safe in most circumstances. Today's ruling does not take effect immediately, it will be up to each individual airline to implement the new guidelines. The FAA believes that by the end of the year, most airlines will allow the use of devices such as tablets, e-readers, laptops, and cell phones to watch videos, read books, play games, or listen to music — as long as the devices are in airplane mode. With respect to cell phones, the FAA said, "Cell phones should be in airplane mode or with cellular service disabled (i.e., no signal bars displayed) and cannot be used for voice communications based on FCC regulations that prohibit any airborne calls using cell phones." Passengers will be able to access on-board Wi-Fi (depending on availability), however, as well as use Bluetooth accessories, such as wireless headsets or keyboards. Wi-Fi is no offered by all airlines, and some of those that do can't operate their in-flight Wi-Fi systems until planes have ascended to at least 10,000 feet. "We believe today's decision honors both our commitment to safety and consumer’s increasing desire to use their electronic devices during all phases of their flights," said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "These guidelines reflect input from passengers, pilots, manufacturers, and flight attendants, and I look forward to seeing airlines implement these much anticipated guidelines in the near future."

Wall Street Journal »

Related

Samsung Refreshes Galaxy S Series with S Pen, New Cameras

Feb 9, 2022
Samsung today announced its lineup of flagship phones for 2022: the Galaxy S22 series. The top-end S22 Ultra sees the biggest changes as it essentially absorbs Samsung's Note series with an integrated S Pen stylus and a more Note-like shape and design, instead of the Contour Cut design of the other models.

iPhone 14 Plus Offers a Big Screen For Less

Sep 7, 2022
Apple has revealed the iPhone 14 series, with new features, improved specs, and new size options. In place of a Mini option, the iPhone 14 will come in the same 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screen size options as the Pro models.

Verizon, AT&T Moving Forward with C-Band 5G Launch This Week Over FAA Objection

Jan 2, 2022
Verizon and AT&T this morning refused a request by federal transportation officials to delay this week's planned launch of 5G service in the critical new C Band. [Update: By evening, the two companies agreed to a two-week delay.] The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) insists that the service could potentially interfere with radio altimeters that planes use to measure distance to the ground in poor weather.

Verizon Details C-Band 5G Launch Plans, Promises 10x Data Speed

Jan 4, 2022
Verizon has formally announced plans to launch 5G in the new "C-band" mid-band radio frequencies later his month, and filled in details of what the launch will include. The company is promising to cover 100 million people — nearly 1/3 of the population — with the new network at launch.

AT&T, Verizon Agree to Hold Back C Band 5G Near Airports

Jan 18, 2022
AT&T and Verizon are moving forward with this week's launch of 5G service in the new C Band, but have voluntarily agreed to new restrictions around airports at the request of major US airlines. The airlines have asked for 5G in the C Band to be banned within two miles of airport runways, a limitation that will severely reduce availability of the service in some cities.

Comments

This forum is closed.

This forum is closed.

No messages

Page 1 of 1