FCC: No Further Discussion Regarding In-Flight Calls

Just this week, Ajit Pai, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has released an order that would effectively scrap a 2013 plan by the agency to debate whether it should allow cell phone calls to be made or taken while aboard a commercial flight. When that plan was first introduced, the aim was to also consider public opinion regarding the topic, as well as allow for some possible amendments.

But with Pai moving to discard the whole idea, the rest of the commissioners of the FCC will now have to make a vote whether or not to get rid of the plan on a permanent basis. In an official statement published on the FCC’s website, Pai explained that he does not believe that going with the original plan is in the public interest. According to him, by trying to eliminate discussion on this particular subject, he is essentially doing Americans a favor by allowing them to appreciate a quiet moment while cruising at 30,000 feet.

It goes without saying that Pai’s thinking is quite in contrast (or at least, different) with what former FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler had in mind years ago. Back in 2013, Wheeler had stressed that banning cell phone calls during flights was based on whether mobile devices would actually cause technical disruptions on airplanes. If the agency did end up amending its rule, the final decision would have been up to the US Department of Transportation, and then then to individual airline companies, on whether or not to let passengers make cell phone calls aboard flights. Airline companies would have had to set up special tech in order to allow passengers access to a cellular signal that is way higher than any ground cellular tower can provide.

As it turned out, Pai had served as one of the FCC Commissioners back in 2013 when Wheeler was Chairman. Not surprisingly, he had voted against Wheeler’s plan. To his credit, Pai did explained that he had received email messages from concerned flight passengers, especially those who just wanted to have some peace and quiet while on a flight.

Ever since Pai became FCC Chairman, he has made some changes in some of the agency’s previous stand on certain subjects. In February early this year for instance, he has put an end to the agency’s inquiries regarding zero rated data offers from wireless carriers, to the utter disappointment of net neutrality advocates.