Can Cell Phones Actually Be Used on Airplanes?

Despite rules and regulations, is it actually possible to use a cell phone while an airplane is flying hundreds of miles per hour through the air? After the FCC released their Notice of Proposed Rule Making regarding the use of cellular devices on airplanes, a lot of discussion followed. Some have wondered why this ban was enacted in the first place, if using these devices is even feasible, and how exactly does a cellular signal affect the airplane? The ban was originated back when we used analog phones, even though the rule still exists today. Wayne Rash of eWeek explains that, “The reason that airborne cellular devices cause problems with terrestrial networks is because the cell systems’ computers will sense a weak signal coming into many towers at the same time. This signal will be traveling at hundreds of miles per hour, and will be lighting up a swath of towers as it does. But the cellular radios in those towers are outfitted with antennas that basically point at the ground. The result is that the networks’ computers won’t know which tower is closest, and as a result it will order the device on the airplane to boost its transmitting power. The higher transmitting power raises the likelihood that cellular devices on airplanes will interfere with the electronic equipment providing navigation and communications for the aircraft.” Even though the FCC said that using cellular devices on airplanes could be allowed and wouldn’t cause any harm, that doesn’t mean the airlines agree and will allow this change in policy.