Comments to U.S. DOT on Possible Ban on Cell Phone Use Due March 26th
March 3, 2014
Following up on our February 14, 2014 advisory, carriers and other interested parties have until March 26, 2014 to submit comments to DOT regarding the Department’s possible ban on voice communications via wireless devices during passenger flights operating to, from, or within the United States. DOT has specifically requested comments from international carriers that currently permit in-flight voice communications pursuant to national laws on the potential financial impact of a ban.
DOT has also sought comments on the following issues from Part 121, 125, 129 and 135 carriers:
- Whether a blanket ban on voice communications is necessary, and why;
- What benefits may be derived from allowing voice communications;
- Whether air carriers should be allowed to determine whether voice calls may be permitted and how they may be permitted;
- Whether a proposed ban should include all in flight voice communications, or only certain types;
- Whether a definition of mobile wireless device should be included in any proposed ban;
- Whether text-to-speech technologies should be considered exempt from any proposed ban, particularly for passengers with disabilities, and why;
- When a proposed ban might apply (i.e. only once the aircraft door is closed);
- Whether a proposed ban should include exceptions for personal, passenger-related emergencies, or for crewmembers, law enforcement, or other officials;
- Any impact on consumers of allowing in-flight voice communications;
- Any alternatives that might be available to allow consumers to avoid being subjected to voice calls on flights (e.g. creation of ‘quiet sections,’ or limitations on voice calls during certain times); and
- Whether voice communications are more or less disruptive than other behaviors that take place during passenger flights (i.e. conversations between passengers).
This Eckert Seamans’ Aviation Blog is intended to keep readers current on matters affecting businesses and is not intended to be legal advice. If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr ( esahr@eckertseamans.com 202-659-6622) or Drew Derco ( dderco@eckertseamans.com 202-659-6665). The notice, as published in the Federal Register, is available at: https://federalregister.gov/a/2014-03684