WASHINGTON, D.C.… ITI applauds the Commission's decision to look at cell phone use onboard flights at their December meeting.   Since this item was announced, much of the attention has focused on concerns about voice calls.  However, in today's marketplace text, apps, and browsing are increasingly more common uses for mobile devices.

As the Commissioners and Chairman have pointed out, there is no technical reason to prohibit these uses.  Removing one of the barriers that would allow the traveling public to make greater use of their devices is very much in the public interest.  Airline companies can then assess what solution best meets their customers' needs.  It may be all, or it may be a subset of the functions today's smartphones offer, but allowing the market to determine that, as the FCC proposal would do, is a step in the right direction.

About ITI.  ITI is the premier advocacy and policy organization for the world’s leading innovation companies.  ITI navigates the relationships between policymakers, companies, and non-governmental organizations, providing creative solutions that advance the development and use of technology around the world.  Visit itic.org to learn more.

 

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