CEA Praises Possible FCC Move To Lift Cellphone Ban On Planes

ARLINGTON, VA. — The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) praised the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decision last week to consider pro-consumer changes to its rules regarding in-flight use of personal mobile phones and other wireless devices.

The FCC addressed the matter as part of a scheduled open meeting that included discussion of air-to-ground telecommunications service.

“The proliferation of wireless technology in all aspects of our lives makes it necessary to re-evaluate how, when and where consumers can use wireless transmitters,” said CEA's president and CEO Gary Shapiro. “To that end, CEA supports efforts by the FCC and the Federal Aviation Administration to examine relevant technical and regulatory issues. In addition, CEA has developed a multi-industry 'Recommended Practice' for wireless devices on airplanes to help passengers and flight attendants clearly understand and identify the proper in-flight use of wireless products.”

CEA, which recently announced the Recommended Practice – Status Indicator for and Control of Transmitters in Portable Electronic Devices, supports the managed use of wireless devices on commercial aircraft.

CEA's Recommended Practice is the result of collaborative, cross-industry work by airlines, device manufacturers and representatives from flight attendant and pilot organizations. The document is available online at ww.CE.org/peds and suggests wireless etiquette guidelines re