FCC SAYS PASSENGERS STILL CANNOT MAKE CALLS ABOARD FLIGHTS
January 19, 2021
On November 27, 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released an order, available here, terminating the rulemaking proceeding which would have expanded access to mobile wireless services onboard aircraft. In 2013, the FCC said it would consider expanding consumer access to in-flight calls, arguing that technology and engineering had evolved over the prior two decades and interference could be prevented by specialized onboard systems. However, after strong resistance from airline industry labor interests, who said the agency had failed to address a number of safety and national security concerns, the FCC determined, “it would not serve the public interest or be a wise use of the agency’s limited resources to continue to pursue this rulemaking proceeding.” The terminating order took effect immediately upon release of this order on November 27, 2020.
If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com or 202-659-6622); Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com or 202-659-6665), or Andy Orr (aorr@eckertsemans.com or 202-659-6625).
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