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DOT Considers In-Flight Call Ban

Lawmakers debate banning calls on planes.

Now that there is no longer any technical reason for people not to use their cell phones on planes, the Federal Communications Commission is considering lifting the ban on in-flight calls that’s been in place since the 1990s. At the same time, the U.S. Department of Transportation may enact a ban of its own. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said at a House hearing Thursday that ending the ban “is the responsible thing to do,” arguing, “when the rationale for the rule doesn’t exist, the rule shouldn’t exist.” On the other hand, lawmakers and frequent fliers have expressed concern over how allowing passengers to chat on their phones might negatively impact the flying experience. A bill proposed to prohibit cell phone conversations would, however, allow the use of Kindles, iPads and other such Internet-connected electronic devices.