FCC MOVES TO END PROPOSAL TO ALLOW CELLPHONE CALLS ON PLANES
May 10, 2017
On April 10, 2017, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai moved to close the three year old proposal that would have allowed cellphone calls on airplanes. Former FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, a Democrat, first proposed the idea of in-flight calls in 2013. The plan would have relaxed the agency’s rules on using certain frequencies on aircraft, allowing airlines to choose whether to enable mobile calls. The public was invited to comment on the proposal and there was overwhelming opposition to the divisive issue, particularly from airline pilots, flight attendants and passengers.
Separately, DOT proposed a rule in December 2016 that would require airlines to inform passengers prior to purchasing tickets whether their flight supported calling via wi-fi on board the aircraft. DOT also sought comment on whether it should ban all voice calls on all U.S. flights. Currently, FCC rules prohibit the use of mobile devices on certain radio frequencies onboard aircraft, including for voice calls. However, the existing FCC rules do not cover wi-fi and other means by which it may become possible to make voice calls. Several airlines have asked DOT to delay action on in-air mobile calling as it takes stock of the regulatory climate in the new administration.
If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6622) or Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6665).
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