FCC to Allow Wireless Access on Planes (the vote passes)

[Tab]

WASHINGTON - Airlines can provide their passengers access to high-speed wireless Internet while they fly, under a vote by federal regulators Wednesday.

"If there is a theme for this meeting, it is that we want (new technologies) on the land, in the air, and on the sea" Federal Communications Commission chairman Michael Powell said Wednesday as the commission considered new rules for airlines.

"We are pushing the frontiers in order to bring the information age to all corners of the world," he said.

The FCC also talked about whether to end the ban on using cell phones on planes, but did not vote.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&e=2&u=/ap/20041215/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/fcc_air_travelers


Hello, VOIP

[aquart]

1. Goody. Now planes can be as unpleasant as the LIRR.

YECHHH! Is there anything on this planet ruder than a cell phone user, (except a smoker, of course)?

[johnnie]

3. "Is there anything on this planet ruder than a cell phone user"

Yes, people who whine about smokers when the topic is about cell phones.

[NJGeek]

4. Yes

People who complain about cell phones and smoking when the FCC allowed laptop internet access.

[Stinky The Clown]

2. I see no problem with this

Of course, it'll cost ya, but what doesn't?

I'm a cell phone user (and a polite one who turns it off when appropriate) and a smoker (who is always mindful of others and who smokes in very limited areas, even in his own house).

[VegasWolf]

9. I was a mindful smoker right up till the heart attack ... n/t

[readmylips]

5. Some cell phones explode ...

Goody, terrorists can use cell phones as weapons instead of cheap box cutters.

[Emboldened Chimp]

6. Nothing wrong with Internet access on planes...

It'll keep people occupied (read: quiet) the entire flight. I say bravo, FCC.

Cell phones, on the other hand, should be kept off. And doesn't the signal screw with pilot communications? Isn't that the reason you can't use your cell to begin with?

[RevolutionStartsNow]

11. There's no evidence

that cell phone use affects flight communications. This is more an FCC than an FAA issue, as it would require some kind of "cell tower" equivalent on planes. Theortically, if you use your cell phone on a plane that's traveling 500 mph, your signal is rapidly switching among cell towers -- this is a big logistical and capacity problem for wireless providers.
This has more to do with the ban than any possible interference with the plane's functions.

That said, I hate the idea of cell phones on planes. I'm a heavy but polite cell user (typing this on my Treo in fact), and I don't want to fly on a plane with dozens of people talking loudly. Ugh. This is a terrible idea.

Internet availability, however, which is in fact what was voted on today, is great and even overdue.. Who needs a cell when you can email or IM anyway?

DU on those long flights would be awesome!

[RPM]

7. a great way to coordinate a terrorist attack...

:eyes: great idea, assholes :eyes:

[hatrack]

8. "No, I'm on the plane. The PLANE!!! THE AIRPLANE!!! WHAT?!?!

I can't hear you, you're breaking up! I said you're BREAKING UP!! I'll try again later. I said I'LL CALL LATER!!!"

Can't wait!!!

[VegasWolf]

10. "WHAT? SPEAK UP, I CAN"T HEAR YOU" n/t

[Dr Batsen D Belfry]

12. Seat them by the engines next to moms with screaming babies

The FCC will support this until someone snaps a picture of a nipple with a cameraphone during a mile-high wardrobe malfunction.

DBDB