Air travelers are familiar with the “Airplane Mode” feature found on almost all cell phones, which shuts off all data and wireless communication sent or received via the cell phone. Most assume this is to prevent wireless signals from interfering with pilots’ communication, and, while this is true, the real reason is a bit more complex.
In a recently published article, Techly explored this topic and asked the question “what’s the point of Airplane Mode?” Citing an episode of Discovery Channel’s Mythbusters, the article notes that airplanes and wireless devices operate on different signals, meaning interference between the two devices is unlikely.
Rather than the FAA’s concern that wireless signals will interfere with the plane’s communications, Mythbusters posits that the regulation was implemented by the FCC, which was concerned that airline passengers would clog networks due to their wireless signal hitting multiple towers from such a high altitude.
But the article also cites a study conducted by CNN that found 75 instances of electronic device interference—29 involving mobile phones—that occurred on commercial flights from 2003 to 2009. Due to passengers’ wireless signals hitting so many towers, the signal may become amplified increasing the likelihood of interference with the plane’s communications.
Several European airlines have begun allowing phone calls to be made during flights, utilizing picocell technology that decreases the likelihood of signal interference, which means airlines in the United States may soon utilize similar technology.
January 11, 2017
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