The cell phone ban on planes is going to be moot soon anyway.

As flights start to get internet access, people will just Skype out when then want to talk to people on the ground. My cellphone actually has a Skype client and WiFi. If phones remained banned on planes, then I could turn off the CDMA signal, turn the WiFi on and go from there.

What's more, allegedly the most dangerous part of the whole flight is taxiing, so they want you to turn off the phones as you push-back and take off. On the other hand, you are allowed to use your phones the instant you are wheels down. The argument, then, is that a mobile phone must know not to interfere after landing, but not before take off? Absurd.

Finally on this, as I recall, the mobile phone ban on planes has nothing to do with the FAA. It's an FCC rule. Mostly in place because the carriers want you to have to use the phones on the planes at a dollar a minute.

Remember, the use of cell phones on private or charter planes is not regulated.

http://pcworld.about.com/od/cellphon...t-airplane.htm
http://www.wisegeek.com/why-cant-you...n-airplane.htm

This has nothing to do with safety, and everything to do with capitalism.

-SF

Anyone who really doesn't like the chit-chat on a plane should invest in a nice pair of noise canceling headphones, which are already on the "May be used at any time" list.