C!Congreuu of tbt Wnfteb ~tateu ~a~btngton, 11\~ 20515 The Honorable Tom Wheeler Chairman Federal Communications Commission 445 12th St. SW Washington, DC 20554 Dear Chairman Wheeler, December 12, 2013 We respectfully ask that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) not open the door to wireless voice services being used by passengers on airplanes above 10,000 feet. It has come to our attention that on December lih the FCC will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to revise current rules governing mobile wireless services on airplanes. We are in support of new options for airline passengers to safely use wireless data for non-voice services such as text messaging, email, and internet browsing; but we are adamantly opposed to the use of cellular voice services during flights. The majority of Americans have rejected the idea of cell phone calls during flights. Numerous polls, including a 2012 Apex/CEA poll, have shown that over 60% of Americans are opposed to the idea. Some polls, such as a recent Today Show instant poll, have shown overwhelming 90% opposition. Regardless of technological feasibility, it is evident that Americans do not want to fly in a cabin full of people talking on cell phones. Even if the FCC were to find that cell phones on airplanes did not cause any signal ·interference, airborne cell phone· conversations would have other safety implications. It has been demonstrated that people talking on cell phones were much less likely to aid someone in need*. Numerous other studies have demonstrated that cell phone conversations are particularly irritating and distracting to people nearby. The combination of these factors could make it much more diffi,cult for crewmembers to give instructions and count on passenger assistance during an emergency. Altercations between passengers over cell phone use could also result in flight attendants having to act as referees to mitigate "air rage." As is stated on your website, the FCC provides "leadership for consumers, public safety, accessibility, competition and technological and economic opportunity." We urge you to not forget about the first item on that list, American consumers. Consumers would benefit from new opportunities to use wireless devices for non-voice activities on airplanes, but they have made clear that they do not want their seatmate to be talking on a cell phone for the entire * Banjo, Hu, and Sundar (2008). Cell Phone Usage and Social Interaction with Proximate Others. Penn State University. PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER flight. In light of public opinion and potential safety implications, we ask that you reject any proposal to permit airline passengers to use cellular voice services on airborne planes. Earl Blumenauer Member of Congress Member of Congress ~ Member of Congress Sincerely, • ember of Congress ia Brownley Member of Congress ~.~ Lois Capps Member of Congress /fti'U[ Michael E. Capuano Member of Congress Steve Cohen Member of Congress Jim Cooper Member of Congress Gerald E. Connolly------ " Member of Congress Member of Congress Keith Ellison Member of Congress Sam Farr Member of Congress Tulsi Gabbard Member of Congress Gene Green Mernber of Congress Janice Hahn Member of Congress Member of Congress Member of Congress Member of Congress ~[LtfdL_ William R. Keating - -Q Member of Congress 1)A~ Derek Kilmer Member of Congress Member of Congress David Loebsack Member of Congress mber of Congress B. McKinley er of Congress Ann Mclane Kuster Member of Congress Patrick Meehan Member of Congress ic Member of Congress • e Member of Congress ~rk Member of Congress Member of Congress Member o C. . Dutch Ruppersb Member of Congress nice D. Schakowsky ember of Congress Member of Congress Carol Shea-Porter Member of Congress Member of Congress Eric Swalwell Member of Congress Member of Congress Member of Congress ~ca·. Peter Oisclosky Member of Congress ~VY,-o ~ Member of Congress Member of Congress ~JWd411A Frederica 5. Wilson Member of Congress ~n~ PauiD.Tonko Member of Congress Member of Congress fusø Adam Smith Member of Congress