Originally Posted by
WIRunner
CDMA phones (Verizon, Sprint PCS, Alltel, and U.S. Cellular) won't cause any interferance due to their network setup. (CDMA is based on spread spectrum, and looks like background noise)
GSM Phones (AT&T, T-Mobile) can depending on what frequency set that the carrier is using at that location. (is based on packet info, and will cause bursts to occour)
Still though, i'd rather someone not talk or text, until the taxi back to the gate.
I don't think (but I might be incorrect) that the issue hinges on justification of which electronics will interfere with flight operations. I think the issue is someone disregarding the rule/regulation prohibiting passengers from using these devices during specific periods in flight.
It would be similar to a guy getting a speeding ticket at 95 mph, then claiming that because he is in a McLaren, the rule should not apply since the McLaren clearly has better handling characteristics and so at 95 he is as safe or safer then the driver in the Taurus SHO driving 65...be it a true fact or not.