brp

Some would have sensed an opportunity there .

Cheers.

tokatya

Does anyone have a link to published information on the interference of wireless signals on board? What exactly causes a problem and have there been cases when a plane has crashed or deviated from its regular course due to wireless usage? I can't help but think that if wireless use was that dangerous then the airlines should have much tighter control of this. Currently they just announce that cell phones are prohibited and maybe monitor the signals sometimes. But the potential for someone to turn on their phone until they are detected is always there and I wonder (and doubt) how dangerous is that really. I recently read that Chinese airlines have increased their fine for talking on your cell while landing and take-off. Additionally, there are talks of phones that will have an "in-flight mode" capability. Check this out... http://www.textually.org/textually/a.../07/013063.htm

Spiff

That's the problem. There has been some anectodal evidence of interference but no conclusive, scientific proof.

Maybe I should apply for a grant from T-Mobile and spend some time conducting other research at 36,000 ft....

gemac

See posts 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 34, 41, 42, 43, and 44 in this thread, if you really want your question answered.

*note* - reading prior posts will not increase one's post count.

nas6034

I remember my teachers who are A&P licensed mechanics that there really is no interference on board these planes coming from tronics. There may lie some truth into that. Anyhow they offer connexion service on board now sooo...

anabolism

Cell phone use in flight causes interference with cell phone systems on the ground (because the signal has much greater 'visibility'), not with in-flight systems. That's why it's the FCC, not the FAA, that prohibits their use.

divilish

Without even thinking about the issues that the signal might cause to equipment, I personally don't want people in a plane yacking on the cell phone.

It is bad enough in an open area to have to put up with some of them, but can you imagine when Mr. BIG MOUTH and Ms. BIG MOUTH start using cell phones during a long flight and you are trying to sleep or relax????

techgirl

Save for the early 20s part, it was probably me.

I ended a long distance relationship after an awkward goodbye at the airport where I tried but couldn't seem to get my point across so I called once I boarded the plane.

(To point, I don't think you would have heard my conversation as I try to be uber-considerate of my seatmates... but sometimes you NEED to make a call and doing so quietly is allowed.)

sinanju

What? Nobody watches Mythbusters?

http://kwc.org/mythbusters/2006/04/e..._on_plane.html

docr775

This past Friday, 7/28 I was on flight 1181 and I was able to connect via Verizon Wireless about 10 minutes after takeoff. I was tempted to keep the connection open, but I signed off. I kept on checking its status for the entire duration of the flight. It finally stopped working as we started our initial descent into DFW.

WonderDude

Ironically, in today's no-smoking facilities/society, some bands now encourage the audience to turn on their cell phone screens and wave 'em around during "the slow song," instead of using a lighter. I'm not talkin' about Foghat or White Snake, though.