Originally Posted by BusTrav8yrs

There are some who without basis think it is just a rule for the sake of being able to tell you what to do.

There is some evidence that it is possible that cell phones can interfere with the navigational equipment of the aircraft. It is better to side on caution. I would rather get home safely than let some moron text while we are taking off because they think the rules don't apply to them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phones_on_aircraft