In-Flight Cell Ban Bill Making Its Way Through US Congress

[Ed Hansberry]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.itworld.com/mobile-wireless/53980/flight-cell-call-ban-advances-congress' target='_blank'>http://www.itworld.com/mobile-wirel...vances-congress</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"A bill that would stifle in-flight cellular calls despite emerging technologies that finally make them feasible is headed for the U.S. House of Representatives. The proposed Halting Airplane Noise to Give Us Peace (HANG UP) Act was approved by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on a voice vote Thursday. It would make permanent the long-standing ban on such calls by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Federal Communications Commission."</em><br /><br />Unfortunately, I am not sure how effective this will be. Once internet access is widely available, people can just use their computers or mobile devices with Skype of other VOIP technologies to make calls.<br /></p>

[Rob Alexander]

Well I'm all for it. The article suggested there were technical ways to block VOIP while still providing other Internet access. Now if we could just pass a law against crying babies and obnoxious passengers on airplanes, we might actually have a bit of peace when flying. :D

[JohnJohn]

The VIOP will be used by civilized people with laptops. They will probably use a headset. The Wifi Service will most likely be a service that one has to pay for. Therefore, limiting those that would be on the phone/VOIP.

If cell service gets the ok then it'll be a free for all. They'll let anyone have a cell phone these days. :D

On a side note, it's good to know Congress hasn't been TOTALLY worthless this round. Maybe in September they can send up some legislation allowing us to stick some pipe in the ground.