After lengthy study US regulators have announced that they are leaving in place a ban on cell phone use aboard airplanes, saying research remained inadequate to overturn the ban.
In a statement published on its website on April 3, the Federal Communication Commission said it would no longer consider lifting the ban on in-flight use of cell phones and other portable electronic devices (PEDs), which regulators fear could interfere with aircraft navigation and communication systems.
Research carried out since the government telecommunications regulator began reconsidering the ban in December 2004 provided "insufficient technical information on whether the use of cellular phones on board aircraft may cause harmful interference to terrestrial networks," it said.
"Further, because airlines, manufacturers, and wireless providers are still researching the use of cell phones and other PEDs onboard aircraft, the FCC found that it would be premature to seek further comment at this juncture." Many US aircraft passengers express frustration at not being able to use their cell phones and other devices in-flight.
However, others oppose lifting the ban, saying they would be disturbed by other passengers loudly chatting away on the phones while in the air.
The FCC said it might re-examine the issue "if appropriate technical data is available."
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