U.S. Department of Transportation Considers Ban on In-Flight Cell Phone Calls

The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) is considering a ban on all in-flight cell phone calls, reports the Wall Street Journal. Previously the FCC proposed to remove any bans on in-flight calls as a 'technical detail', but any decision made by the Transportation Department could overrule the FCC.

The Department of Transportation plans to pursue the next step in what could lead to a formal ban on in-flight calls, the agency's general counsel Kathryn Thomson, said in a speech last week at the International Aviation Club in Washington, according to people present.

A spokeswoman confirmed that the DOT is developing "a notice of proposed rulemaking" for publication in December. "At this point, there is no final determination" as to what the notice or the final rule will say, said another spokeswoman.


Just recently, the FAA and DOT relaxed their stance on the use of electronics on flights, letting passengers use electronic devices during all phases of flight.

Since the report does not mention any bans on data or texts, we assume the DOT does not see any issues with using those services. How do you feel about a ban on in-flight calls?

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