Cellphones in Flight Face Technical and Social Hurdles

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

From: Monty Solomon <monty () roscom com>
Date: September 4, 2004 2:42:24 AM EDT
To: undisclosed-recipient:;
Subject: Cellphones in Flight Face Technical and Social Hurdles

WHAT'S NEXT

Cellphones in Flight Face Technical and Social Hurdles

By ERIC A. TAUB
September 2, 2004

BUSINESS travelers who think there are not enough hours in the day,
take note: in two years there may be a few more at your disposal.

In 2006 the nation's commercial airliners may begin to allow
passengers to make cellphone calls and connect to the Internet
throughout a flight. No longer will passengers have to cram in their
last cellular calls before takeoff. Instead, they will be able to use
standard mobile phones to make and receive calls while in flight.

Technical and social issues must still be worked out. The airlines,
the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Communications
Commission must be assured that cellphones will not interfere with
navigation or communications equipment. And the airlines also must
devise ways to avoid conflict between cell yellers and passengers
looking for a quiet trip.

While the airlines wait for government approval, Lufthansa currently
offers Internet access on some international flights. As a foreign
carrier, it is not subject to federal restrictions.

...

http://nytimes.com/2004/09/02/technology/circuits/02next.html



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