Even the FCC Thinks in-Flight Cell Phone Bans Are Dumb - Dec. 9, 2012

Good news for frequent-flyer gadget lovers: A federal regulator thinks it’s about time you should be able to use your smartphone on planes.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski on Friday called the Federal Aviation Administration’s policy on in-flight electronics use into question, advocating that the agency allow for greater use of those devices during flights.

In a letter from Genachowski to FAA administrator Michael Huerta unearthed by The Hill, the FCC boss was plainspoken and direct in his feelings on the matter.

“This review comes at a time of tremendous innovation, as mobile devices are increasingly interwoven in our daily lives,” Genachowski wrote. “They empower people to stay informed and connected with friends and family, and they enable both large and small businesses to be more productive and efficient, helping drive economic growth and boost U.S. competitiveness.”

Despite the fact that 20 years of testing still hasn’t definitively proved that cell phones, let alone any other electronic device, can cause aircraft interference, passengers are still prohibited from using tablets and e-readers during takeoff and landing.