Originally Posted by hockeyguy
I don't think this is quite accurate. Many electronic device (e.g. laptops, DVD players, iPods, etc.) are allowed on board although certainly not all (if any) of them have been tested for interference with on-board systems. If the FCC decides to allow cell phone use in-flight, the FAA would probably allow testing phones based on the frequency bands they use, rather than having to test every model individually. I wouldn't be surprised if they come up with some sort of "FAA-approved" logo so that FA's, and for that matter, passengers, don't have to be experts in all the different technologies to know whether a particular device is safe or not.
Anyone can copy/print an "FAA/FCC approved" sticker.
It really doesn't matter! If someone wants to bring a circuit aboard that will interfere with the navigation/communications, they will. A battery and a NOT gate will suffice, though thankfully onboard systems are shielded from such poorly-shielded devices.
It's time for the FAA to admit that most electronic devices DO NOT interfere in any significant way with communication/navigation systems, and this includes cell phones. TV and radio receivers are the devices that are most likely to interfere with such systems because they operate in frequency ranges close to these systems. Cell phones don't cause interference unless you take one and put it on or next to the radio/navigation transmitter. It's that simple.