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See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
November 22, 2013 Justin Cole, 202-418-8191
E-mail: justin.cole@fcc.gov
STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN TOM WHEELER ON FCC IN-FLIGHT MOBILE WIRELESS
SERVICES PROPOSAL
Washington, D.C. – Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler has issued the 
following statement:
“Yesterday we announced a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposal that recognizes that 
there is no technical reason to prohibit mobile devices from interfacing with the onboard wireless data 
systems being installed on many aircraft.  If the Commission adopts this proposal after the public has had 
the opportunity to comment it will be only a technical advisory, an update to our rules. There is nothing 
in the proposal that prohibits airlines from developing whatever in-flight phone usage policy they may 
wish.
“The job of the FCC with respect to this issue is limited to issues related to communications technology. 
Technology is available and being deployed today on flights outside the United States that permits use of 
mobile devices on planes without causing interference to cell phone networks on the ground. These 
advances in technology likely no longer warrant – on a technological basis – the prohibition of in-flight 
phone use with the appropriate on-board equipment.
“We understand that many passengers would prefer that voice calls not be made on airplanes. I feel that 
way myself.  Ultimately, if the FCC adopts the proposal in the coming months, it will be airlines’ 
decisions, in consultation with their customers, as to whether to permit voice calls while airborne. The 
European Union has had a similar policy since 2008. That experience has demonstrated that it is possible 
to adjust the on-board communications equipment not to handle voice traffic, thus effectively shutting 
down any calls.
“We believe that airlines are best positioned to make such decisions. For this reason, our proposal does 
not impose any requirement that airlines should provide voice connectivity.  We encourage airlines, 
pilots, flight attendants, and the public to engage in our upcoming rulemaking process.”
-FCC-
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