The FCC grounds cell phones

We should all celebrate: Today, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission has terminated its proceedings regardng the use of cellular phones onboard aircraft during flight.

That’s not to say that they won’t bring the issue up in the future, or that the FCC agreed that cell phone usage within the inescapable confines of a commercial aircraft is simply too obnoxious a practice to be allowed. (See my earlier post, “Please, no cell phones on airplanes.”) Instead, the FCC said that it didn’t know enough about the technical ramifications to make an informed decision.

To quote from order FCC 07-47 (I’ve added bolding for emphasis):

“On December 15, 2004, the Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Notice) in the above-captioned docket proposing to replace or relax its ban under Section 22.925 of its rules on the use of 800 MHz cellular handsets on airborne aircraft. The Notice explored several different options for allowing airborne use of wireless devices, including a proposal to allow the airborne use of cell phones. The Commission also noted that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibits the use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) on airborne aircraft. Given the lack of technical information in the record upon which we may base a decision, we have determined at this time that this proceeding should be terminated.

“In the Notice, the Commission specifically requested technical comment, emphasizing that the ban on the airborne use of cell phones would not be removed without sufficient information regarding possible technical solutions. The Notice also noted that RTCA, Inc. (RTCA), a Federal Advisory Committee, at the request of the FAA, is currently studying the effect of PEDs on aircraft navigation and safety. Phase I of the study – a short-term technology assessment – was completed in late 2004, and focused on existing PED technologies. Phase 2 – an ongoing, long-term technology assessment – is focused on emerging PED technologies, e.g., ultra-wideband devices or pico cells for telephone use onboard aircraft. RTCA published findings in December 2006, and is expected to issue recommendations regarding airplane design and certification requirements later this year.

“It is apparent that it is premature to decide the issues raised in the Notice. The comments filed in this proceeding provide insufficient technical information that would allow the Commission to assess whether the airborne use of cellular phones may occur without causing harmful interference to terrestrial networks. Similarly, although the report issued by RTCA recommends, inter alia, a process by which aircraft operators and/or manufacturers may assess the risk of interference due to a specific PED technology within an aircraft, it does not provide data that would allow us to evaluate the potential for interference between PED operations onboard airplanes and terrestrial-based wireless systems. Further, because it appears that airlines, manufacturers, and wireless providers are still researching the use of cell phones and other PEDs onboard aircraft, we do not believe that seeking further comment at this juncture will provide us with the necessary technical information in the near term. Accordingly, we conclude that this proceeding should be terminated. We may, however, reconsider this issue in the future if appropriate technical data is available for our review.

“Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED that, pursuant to sections 1, 4(i), 11, 303(r) and (y), 308, 309, and 332 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. §§ 151, 154(i), 161, 303(r), (y), 308, 309, and 332, that this proceeding is TERMINATED, effective upon issuance of this Order.“

To which, we can all say, “hallelujah!” and hope that this never ever comes up again.