OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Michael Honda
U.S. House of Representatives
1713 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Honda:
WASHINGTON
October 31, 2014
Thank you for your letter expressing concern about the safety, security, and comfort
implications of the potential for passengers to use mobile voice and wireless communications
technology on commercial aircraft. I share your concerns and will not present a final
recommendation regarding this issue to my fellow Commissioners until these issues are fully
addressed in a collaborative fashion with other appropriate federal agencies. Your views are
very important and will be included in the record of that proceeding and considered as part of the
Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) review.
The FCC approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on December 12, 2013, to
consider whether advances in technology no longer warrant - on a technological basis - the
prohibition of in-flight mobile wireless services due to concerns about potential interference with
terrestrial networks. The NPRM represents only the beginning of a process to consider carefully
whether and how we should revise our rules to give airlines the ability to allow passengers to use
mobile wireless services while flying above 10,000 feet.
Under the proposed rules, there would be several steps required before mobile wireless
services could be used aloft: (1) the aircraft would need to seek FCC authorization to utilize the
technology that captures a signal and keeps it on the plane so that it does not interfere with
terrestrial networks (it is this interference that is the basis of the current prohibition - and if such
interference can be eliminated by new onboard technology, the basis for the existing rule is
removed); (2) the airline would have to take affirmative steps, beyond the FCC rules, to comply
with the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT), and any other federal agency asserting jurisdiction; and (3) the airline's
own policies would have to be followed.
The NPRM makes clear that nothing in the proposal would limit the ability of airlines to
ban wireless voice conversations in-flight. For example, an airline could choose not to offer
voice service at all but provide only data communications so that passengers could engage in
data-focused activities, such as accessing websites, sending and receiving text messages and e -
mail, or utilizing social media to stay connected to friends and family. As you know, many
airlines offer similar services using Wi-Fi today.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Page 2-The Honorable Michael Honda
We are in complete agreement on the importance of safety and security aloft, and issued
the NPRM only after consulting with the relevant federal safety, security and regulatory
agencies. In addition, since the purpose of an NPRM is to gather facts, we have created a formal
input process to examine safety and security matters. This includes a federal multi-stakeholder
working group that FCC staff convened to consider national security and safety-related matters
related to in-Right wireless services. The working group includes subject matter experts from
the DOT, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), and other
relevant federal agencies. We will continue to coordinate, solicit input, and seek guidance from
our federal counterparts on this working group.
We are separately coordinating with the DOT as it appropriately examines whether to ban
voice calls aboard aircraft. On March 24, 2014, I wrote Secretary Foxx with a formal
submission in the DOT's Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) with respect to
the use of cell phones and other mobile devices on aircraft. In the letter, I stated that I, along
with several of my colleagues, have expressed concern about use of mobile wireless devices for
in-flight voice communications. I stated my support of the overwhelming number of
commenters to the FCC's NPRM who believe that allowing voice communications on aircraft
will be inordinately disruptive to their flying experiences. As a frequent airline passenger, I
share this concern and do not want the disruption that could be caused by voice calls on planes.
As the Commission moves forward with our rulemaking proceeding, we will continue to
work collaboratively with the federal agencies with appropriate jurisdiction and expertise to help
shape policies and rules that best serve the public interest. As I stated previously, the NPRM is
the beginning of a fact-gathering process, and the views you have shared will be included as part
of that process.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
Sincerely,
Wheeler
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Steve Israel
U.S. House of Representatives
2457 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Israel:
WASHINGTON
October 31, 2014
Thank you for your letter expressing concern about the safety, security, and comfort
implications of the potential for passengers to use mobile voice and wireless communications
technology on commercial aircraft. I share your concerns and will not present a final
recommendation regarding this issue to my fellow Commissioners until these issues are fully
addressed in a collaborative fashion with other appropriate federal agencies. Your views are
very important and will be included in the record of that proceeding and considered as part of the
Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) review.
The FCC approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on December 12, 2013, to
consider whether advances in technology no longer warrant - on a technological basis - the
prohibition of in-flight mobile wireless services due to concerns about potential interference with
terrestrial networks. The NPRM represents only the beginning of a process to consider carefully
whether and how we should revise our rules to give airlines the ability to allow passengers to use
mobile wireless services while flying above 10,000 feet.
Under the proposed rules, there would be several steps required before mobile wireless
services could be used aloft: (1) the aircraft would need to seek FCC authorization to utilize the
technology that captures a signal and keeps it on the plane so that it does not interfere with
terrestrial networks (it is this interference that is the basis of the current prohibition - and if such
interference can be eliminated by new onboard technology, the basis for the existing rule is
removed); (2) the airline would have to take affirmative steps, beyond the FCC rules, to comply
with the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT), and any other federal agency asserting jurisdiction; and (3) the airline's
own policies would have to be followed.
The NPRM makes clear that nothing in the proposal would limit the ability of airlines to
ban wireless voice conversations in-flight. For example, an airline could choose not to offer
voice service at all but provide only data communications so that passengers could engage in
data-focused activities, such as accessing websites, sending and receiving text messages and e -
mail, or utilizing social media to stay connected to friends and family. As you know, many
airlines offer similar services using Wi-Fi today.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Page 2-The Honorable Steve Israel
We are in complete agreement on the importance of safety and security aloft, and issued
the NPRM only after consulting with the relevant federal safety, security and regulatory
agencies. In addition, since the purpose of an NPRM is to gather facts, we have created a formal
input process to examine safety and security matters. This includes a federal multi-stakeholder
working group that FCC staff convened to consider national security and safety-related matters
related to in-flight wireless services. The working group includes subject matter experts from
the DOT, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), and other
relevant federal agencies. We will continue to coordinate, solicit input, and seek guidance from
our federal counterparts on this working group.
We are separately coordinating with the DOT as it appropriately examines whether to ban
voice calls aboard aircraft. On March 24, 2014, I wrote Secretary Foxx with a formal
submission in the DOT's Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) with respect to
the use of cell phones and other mobile devices on aircraft. In the letter, I stated that I, along
with several of my colleagues, have expressed concern about use of mobile wireless devices for
in-flight voice communications. I stated my support of the overwhelming number of
commenters to the FCC's NPRM who believe that allowing voice communications on aircraft
will be inordinately disruptive to their flying experiences. As a frequent airline passenger, I
share this concern and do not want the disruption that could be caused by voice calls on planes.
As the Commission moves forward with our rulemaking proceeding, we will continue to
work collaboratively with the federal agencies with appropriate jurisdiction and expertise to help
shape policies and rules that best serve the public interest. As I stated previously, the NPRM is
the beginning of a fact-gathering process, and the views you have shared will be included as part
of that process.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
WASHINGTON
October 31, 2014
The Honorable Hakeem Jeffries
U.S. House of Representatives
1339 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Jeffries:
Thank you for your letter expressing concern about the safety, security, and comfort
implications of the potential for passengers to use mobile voice and wireless communications
technology on commercial aircraft. I share your concerns and will not present a final
recommendation regarding this issue to my fellow Commissioners until these issues are fully
addressed in a collaborative fashion with other appropriate federal agencies. Your views are
very important and will be included in the record of that proceeding and considered as part of the
Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) review.
The FCC approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on December 12, 2013, to
consider whether advances in technology no longer warrant - on a technological basis - the
prohibition of in-flight mobile wireless services due to concerns about potential interference with
terrestrial networks. The NPRM represents only the beginning of a process to consider carefully
whether and how we should revise our rules to give airlines the ability to allow passengers to use
mobile wireless services while flying above 10,000 feet.
Under the proposed rules, there would be several steps required before mobile wireless
services could be used aloft: (1) the aircraft would need to seek FCC authorization to utilize the
technology that captures a signal and keeps it on the plane so that it does not interfere with
terrestrial networks (it is this interference that is the basis of the current prohibition - and if such
interference can be eliminated by new onboard technology, the basis for the existing rule is
removed); (2) the airline would have to take affirmative steps, beyond the FCC rules, to comply
with the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT), and any other federal agency asserting jurisdiction; and (3) the airline's
own policies would have to be followed.
The NPRM makes clear that nothing in the proposal would limit the ability of airlines to
ban wireless voice conversations in-flight. For example, an airline could choose not to offer
voice service at all but provide only data communications so that passengers could engage in
data-focused activities, such as accessing websites, sending and receiving text messages and e -
mail, or utilizing social media to stay connected to friends and family. As you know, many
airlines offer similar services using Wi-Fi today.
Page 2-The Honorable Hakeem Jeffries
We are in complete agreement on the importance of safety and security aloft, and issued
the NPRM only after consulting with the relevant federal safety, security and regulatory
agencies. In addition, since the purpose of an NPRMis to gather facts, we have created a formal
input process to examine safety and security matters. This includes a federal multi-stakeholder
working group that FCC staff convened to consider national security and safety-related matters
related to in-flight wireless services. The working group includes subject matter experts from
the DOT, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), and other
relevant federal agencies. We will continue to coordinate, solicit input, and seek guidance from
our federal counterparts on this working group.
We are separately coordinating with the DOT as it appropriately examines whether to ban
voice calls aboard aircraft. On March 24, 2014, I wrote Secretary Foxx with a formal
submission in the DOT's Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) with respect to
the use of cell phones and other mobile devices on aircraft. In the letter, I stated that I, along
with several of my colleagues, have expressed concern about use of mobile wireless devices for
in-flight voice communications. I stated my support of the overwhelming number of
commenters to the FCC's NPRM who believe that allowing voice communications on aircraft
will be inordinately disruptive to their flying experiences. As a frequent airline passenger, I
share this concern and do not want the disruption that could be caused by voice calls on planes.
As the Commission moves forward with our rulemaking proceeding, we will continue to
work collaboratively with the federal agencies with appropriate jurisdiction and expertise to help
shape policies and rules that best serve the public interest. As I stated previously, the NPRM is
the beginning of a fact-gathering process, and the views you have shared will be included as part
of that process.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
Sincerely,
-_
Tom Wheeler
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Bill Johnson
U.S. House of Representatives
1710 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Johnson:
WASH INGTON
October 31, 2014
Thank you for your letter expressing concern about the safety, security, and comfort
implications of the potential for passengers to use mobile voice and wireless communications
technology on commercial aircraft. I share your concerns and will not present a final
recommendation regarding this issue to my fellow Commissioners until these issues are fully
addressed in a collaborative fashion with other appropriate federal agencies. Your views are
very important and will be included in the record of that proceeding and considered as part of the
Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) review.
The FCC approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on December 12, 2013, to
consider whether advances in technology no longer warrant - on a technological basis - the
prohibition of in-flight mobile wireless services due to concerns about potential interference with
terrestrial networks. The NPRM represents only the beginning of a process to consider carefully
whether and how we should revise our rules to give airlines the ability to allow passengers to use
mobile wireless services while flying above 10,000 feet.
Under the proposed rules, there would be several steps required before mobile wireless
services could be used aloft: (1) the aircraft would need to seek FCC authorization to utilize the
technology that captures a signal and keeps it on the plane so that it does not interfere with
terrestrial networks (it is this interference that is the basis of the current prohibition - and if such
interference can be eliminated by new onboard technology, the basis for the existing rule is
removed); (2) the airline would have to take affirmative steps, beyond the FCC rules, to comply
with the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT), and any other federal agency asserting jurisdiction; and (3) the airline's
own policies would have to be followed.
The NPRM makes clear that nothing in the proposal would limit the ability of airlines to
ban wireless voice conversations in-flight. For example, an airline could choose not to offer
voice service at all but provide only data communications so that passengers could engage in
data-focused activities, such as accessing websites, sending and receiving text messages and e -
mail, or utilizing social media to stay connected to friends and family. As you know, many
airlines offer similar services using Wi-Fi today.
FEDERAL COMMUN!CATIONS COMMISSION
Page 2-The Honorable Bill Johnson
We are in complete agreement on the importance of safety and security aloft, and issued
the NPRM only after consulting with the relevant federal safety, security and regulatory
agencies. In addition, since the purpose of an NPRM is to gather facts, we have created a formal
input process to examine safety and security matters. This includes a federal multi-stakeholder
working group that FCC staff convened to consider national security and safety-related matters
related to in-flight wireless services. The working group includes subject matter experts from
the DOT, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), and other
relevant federal agencies. We will continue to coordinate, solicit input, and seek guidance from
our federal counterparts on this working group.
We are separately coordinating with the DOT as it appropriately examines whether to ban
voice calls aboard aircraft. On March 24, 2014, I wrote Secretary Foxx with a formal
submission in the DOT's Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) with respect to
the use of cell phones and other mobile devices on aircraft. In the letter, I stated that I, along
with several of my colleagues, have expressed concern about use of mobile wireless devices for
in-flight voice communications. I stated my support of the overwhelming number of
commenters to the FCC's NPRM who believe that allowing voice communications on aircraft
will be inordinately disruptive to their flying experiences. As a frequent airline passenger, I
share this concern and do not want the disruption that could be caused by voice calls on planes.
As the Commission moves forward with our rulemaking proceeding, we will continue to
work collaboratively with the federal agencies with appropriate jurisdiction and expertise to help
shape policies and rules that best serve the public interest. As I stated previously, the NPRM is
the beginning of a fact-gathering process, and the views you have shared will be included as part
of that process.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
Sincerely
T4i(
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
WASHINGTON
October 31, 2014
The Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson
U.S. House of Representatives
2468 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Johnson:
Thank you for your letter expressing concern about the safety, security, and comfort
implications of the potential for passengers to use mobile voice and wireless communications
technology on commercial aircraft. I share your concerns and will not present a final
recommendation regarding this issue to my fellow Commissioners until these issues are fully
addressed in a collaborative fashion with other appropriate federal agencies. Your views are
very important and will be included in the record of that proceeding and considered as part of the
Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) review.
The FCC approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on December 12, 2013, to
consider whether advances in technology no longer warrant - on a technological basis - the
prohibition of in-flight mobile wireless services due to concerns about potential interference with
terrestrial networks. The NPRMrepresents only the beginning of a process to consider carefully
whether and how we should revise our rules to give airlines the ability to allow passengers to use
mobile wireless services while flying above 10,000 feet.
Under the proposed rules, there would be several steps required before mobile wireless
services could be used aloft: (1) the aircraft would need to seek FCC authorization to utilize the
technology that captures a signal and keeps it on the plane so that it does not interfere with
terrestrial networks (it is this interference that is the basis of the current prohibition - and if such
interference can be eliminated by new onboard technology, the basis for the existing rule is
removed); (2) the airline would have to take affirmative steps, beyond the FCC rules, to comply
with the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT), and any other federal agency asserting jurisdiction; and (3) the airline's
own policies would have to be followed.
The NPRM makes clear that nothing in the proposal would limit the ability of airlines to
ban wireless voice conversations in-flight. For example, an airline could choose not to offer
voice service at all but provide only data communications so that passengers could engage in
data-focused activities, such as accessing websites, sending and receiving text messages and e -
mail, or utilizing social media to stay connected to friends and family. As you know, many
airlines offer similar services using Wi-Fi today.
Page 2-The Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson
We are in complete agreement on the importance of safety and security aloft, and issued
the NPRM only after consulting with the relevant federal safety, security and regulatory
agencies. In addition, since the purpose of an NPRM is to gather facts, we have created a formal
input process to examine safety and security matters. This includes a federal multi-stakeholder
working group that FCC staff convened to consider national security and safety-related matters
related to in-flight wireless services. The working group includes subject matter experts from
the DOT, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), and other
relevant federal agencies. We will continue to coordinate, solicit input, and seek guidance from
our federal counterparts on this working group.
We are separately coordinating with the DOT as it appropriately examines whether to ban
voice calls aboard aircraft. On March 24, 2014, I wrote Secretary Foxx with a formal
submission in the DOT's Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) with respect to
the use of cell phones and other mobile devices on aircraft. In the letter, I stated that I, along
with several of my colleagues, have expressed concern about use of mobile wireless devices for
in-flight voice communications. I stated my support of the overwhelming number of
commenters to the FCC's NPRM who believe that allowing voice communications on aircraft
will be inordinately disruptive to their flying experiences. As a frequent airline passenger, I
share this concern and do not want the disruption that could be caused by voice calls on planes.
As the Commission moves forward with our rulemaking proceeding, we will continue to
work collaboratively with the federal agencies with appropriate jurisdiction and expertise to help
shape policies and rules that best serve the public interest. As I stated previously, the NPRM is
the beginning of a fact-gathering process, and the views you have shared will be included as part
of that process.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
Sincerely,
om eeler
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Hank Johnson
U.S. House of Representatives
2240 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Johnson:
WASH! NGTON
October 31, 2014
Thank you for your letter expressing concern about the safety, security, and comfort
implications of the potential for passengers to use mobile voice and wireless communications
technology on commercial aircraft. I share your concerns and will not present a final
recommendation regarding this issue to my fellow Commissioners until these issues are fully
addressed in a collaborative fashion with other appropriate federal agencies. Your views are
very important and will be included in the record of that proceeding and considered as part of the
Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) review.
The FCC approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on December 12, 2013, to
consider whether advances in technology no longer warrant - on a technological basis - the
prohibition of in-flight mobile wireless services due to concerns about potential interference with
terrestrial networks. The NPRM represents only the beginning of a process to consider carefully
whether and how we should revise our rules to give airlines the ability to allow passengers to use
mobile wireless services while flying above 10,000 feet.
Under the proposed rules, there would be several steps required before mobile wireless
services could be used aloft: (1) the aircraft would need to seek FCC authorization to utilize the
technology that captures a signal and keeps it on the plane so that it does not interfere with
terrestrial networks (it is this interference that is the basis of the current prohibition - and if such
interference can be eliminated by new onboard technology, the basis for the existing rule is
removed); (2) the airline would have to take affirmative steps, beyond the FCC rules, to comply
with the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT), and any other federal agency asserting jurisdiction; and (3) the airline's
own policies would have to be followed.
The NPRM makes clear that nothing in the proposal would limit the ability of airlines to
ban wireless voice conversations in-flight. For example, an airline could choose not to offer
voice service at all but provide only data communications so that passengers could engage in
data-focused activities, such as accessing websites, sending and receiving text messages and e -
mail, or utilizing social media to stay connected to friends and family. As you know, many
airlines offer similar services using Wi-Fi today.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Page 2-The Honorable Hank Johnson
We are in complete agreement on the importance of safety and security aloft, and issued
the NPRM only after consulting with the relevant federal safety, security and regulatory
agencies. In addition, since the purpose of an NPRMis to gather facts, we have created a formal
input process to examine safety and security matters. This includes a federal multi-stakeholder
working group that FCC staff convened to consider national security and safety-related matters
related to in-flight wireless services. The working group includes subject matter experts from
the DOT, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), and other
relevant federal agencies. We will continue to coordinate, solicit input, and seek guidance from
our federal counterparts on this working group.
We are separately coordinating with the DOT as it appropriately examines whether to ban
voice calls aboard aircraft. On March 24, 2014, I wrote Secretary Foxx with a formal
submission in the DOT's Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) with respect to
the use of cell phones and other mobile devices on aircraft. In the letter, I stated that I, along
with several of my colleagues, have expressed concern about use of mobile wireless devices for
in-flight voice communications. I stated my support of the overwhelming number of
commenters to the FCC's NPRM who believe that allowing voice communications on aircraft
will be inordinately disruptive to their flying experiences. As a frequent airline passenger, I
share this concern and do not want the disruption that could be caused by voice calls on planes.
As the Commission moves forward with our rulemaking proceeding, we will continue to
work collaboratively with the federal agencies with appropriate jurisdiction and expertise to help
shape policies and rules that best serve the public interest. As I stated previously, the NPRM is
the beginning of a fact-gathering process, and the views you have shared will be included as part
of that process.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
OFFICE OF
THE CHA!RMAN
The Honorable Walter Jones
U.S. House of Representatives
2333 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Jones:
WASH INGTON
October 31, 2014
Thank you for your letter expressing concern about the safety, security, and comfort
implications of the potential for passengers to use mobile voice and wireless communications
technology on commercial aircraft. I share your concerns and will not present a final
recommendation regarding this issue to my fellow Commissioners until these issues are fully
addressed in a collaborative fashion with other appropriate federal agencies. Your views are
very important and will be included in the record of that proceeding and considered as part of the
Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) review.
The FCC approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on December 12, 2013, to
consider whether advances in technology no longer warrant - on a technological basis - the
prohibition of in-flight mobile wireless services due to concerns about potential interference with
terrestrial networks. The NPRM represents only the beginning of a process to consider carefully
whether and how we should revise our rules to give airlines the ability to allow passengers to use
mobile wireless services while flying above 10,000 feet.
Under the proposed rules, there would be several steps required before mobile wireless
services could be used aloft: (1) the aircraft would need to seek FCC authorization to utilize the
technology that captures a signal and keeps it on the plane so that it does not interfere with
terrestrial networks (it is this interference that is the basis of the current prohibition - and if such
interference can be eliminated by new onboard technology, the basis for the existing rule is
removed); (2) the airline would have to take affirmative steps, beyond the FCC rules, to comply
with the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT), and any other federal agency asserting jurisdiction; and (3) the airline's
own policies would have to be followed.
The NPRM makes clear that nothing in the proposal would limit the ability of airlines to
ban wireless voice conversations in-flight. For example, an airline could choose not to offer
voice service at all but provide only data communications so that passengers could engage in
data-focused activities, such as accessing websites, sending and receiving text messages and e -
mail, or utilizing social media to stay connected to friends and family. As you know, many
airlines offer similar services using Wi-Fi today.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Page 2-The Honorable Walter Jones
We are in complete agreement on the importance of safety and security aloft, and issued
the NPRM only after consulting with the relevant federal safety, security and regulatory
agencies. In addition, since the purpose of an NPRMis to gather facts, we have created a formal
input process to examine safety and security matters. This includes a federal multi-stakeholder
working group that FCC staff convened to consider national security and safety-related matters
related to in-flight wireless services. The working group includes subject matter experts from
the DOT, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), and other
relevant federal agencies. We will continue to coordinate, solicit input, and seek guidance from
our federal counterparts on this working group.
We are separately coordinating with the DOT as it appropriately examines whether to ban
voice calls aboard aircraft. On March 24, 2014, I wrote Secretary Foxx with a formal
submission in the DOT's Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) with respect to
the use of cell phones and other mobile devices on aircraft. In the letter, I stated that I, along
with several of my colleagues, have expressed concern about use of mobile wireless devices for
in-flight voice communications. I stated my support of the overwhelming number of
commenters to the FCC's NPRM who believe that allowing voice communications on aircraft
will be inordinately disruptive to their flying experiences. As a frequent airline passenger, I
share this concern and do not want the disruption that could be caused by voice calls on planes.
As the Commission moves forward with our rulemaking proceeding, we will continue to
work collaboratively with the federal agencies with appropriate jurisdiction and expertise to help
shape policies and rules that best serve the public interest. As I stated previously, the NPRM is
the beginning of a fact-gathering process, and the views you have shared will be included as part
of that process.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable David Joyce
U.S. House of Representatives
1535 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Joyce:
WASHINGTON
October 31, 2014
Thank you for your letter expressing concern about the safety, security, and comfort
implications of the potential for passengers to use mobile voice and wireless communications
technology on commercial aircraft. I share your concerns and will not present a final
recommendation regarding this issue to my fellow Commissioners until these issues are fully
addressed in a collaborative fashion with other appropriate federal agencies. Your views are
very important and will be included in the record of that proceeding and considered as part of the
Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) review.
The FCC approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on December 12, 2013, to
consider whether advances in technology no longer warrant - on a technological basis - the
prohibition of in-flight mobile wireless services due to concerns about potential interference with
terrestrial networks. The NPRM represents only the beginning of a process to consider carefully
whether and how we should revise our rules to give airlines the ability to allow passengers to use
mobile wireless services while flying above 10,000 feet.
Under the proposed rules, there would be several steps required before mobile wireless
services could be used aloft: (1) the aircraft would need to seek FCC authorization to utilize the
technology that captures a signal and keeps it on the plane so that it does not interfere with
terrestrial networks (it is this interference that is the basis of the current prohibition - and if such
interference can be eliminated by new onboard technology, the basis for the existing rule is
removed); (2) the airline would have to take affirmative steps, beyond the FCC rules, to comply
with the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT), and any other federal agency asserting jurisdiction; and (3) the airline's
own policies would have to be followed.
The NPRM makes clear that nothing in the proposal would limit the ability of airlines to
ban wireless voice conversations in-flight. For example, an airline could choose not to offer
voice service at all but provide only data communications so that passengers could engage in
data-focused activities, such as accessing websites, sending and receiving text messages and e -
mail, or utilizing social media to stay connected to friends and family. As you know, many
airlines offer similar services using Wi-Fi today.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Page 2-The Honorable David Joyce
We are in complete agreement on the importance of safety and security aloft, and issued
the NPRM only after consulting with the relevant federal safety, security and regulatory
agencies. In addition, since the purpose of an NPRM is to gather facts, we have created a formal
input process to examine safety and security matters. This includes a federal multi-stakeholder
working group that FCC staff convened to consider national security and safety-related matters
related to in-flight wireless services. The working group includes subject matter experts from
the DOT, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), and other
relevant federal agencies. We will continue to coordinate, solicit input, and seek guidance from
our federal counterparts on this working group.
We are separately coordinating with the DOT as it appropriately examines whether to ban
voice calls aboard aircraft. On March 24, 2014, I wrote Secretary Foxx with a formal
submission in the DOT's Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) with respect to
the use of cell phones and other mobile devices on aircraft. In the letter, I stated that I, along
with several of my colleagues, have expressed concern about use of mobile wireless devices for
in-flight voice communications. I stated my support of the overwhelming number of
commenters to the FCC's NPRM who believe that allowing voice communications on aircraft
will be inordinately disruptive to their flying experiences. As a frequent airline passenger, I
share this concern and do not want the disruption that could be caused by voice calls on planes.
As the Commission moves forward with our rulemaking proceeding, we will continue to
work collaboratively with the federal agencies with appropriate jurisdiction and expertise to help
shape policies and rules that best serve the public interest. As I stated previously, the NPRM is
the beginning of a fact-gathering process, and the views you have shared will be included as part
of that process.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
WASHINGTON
October 31, 2014
The Honorable Derek Kilmer
U.S. House of Representatives
1429 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Kilmer:
Thank you for your letter expressing concern about the safety, security, and comfort
implications of the potential for passengers to use mobile voice and wireless communications
technology on commercial aircraft. I share your concerns and will not present a final
recommendation regarding this issue to my fellow Commissioners until these issues are fully
addressed in a collaborative fashion with other appropriate federal agencies. Your views are
very important and will be included in the record of that proceeding and considered as part of the
Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) review.
The FCC approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on December 12, 2013, to
consider whether advances in technology no longer warrant - on a technological basis - the
prohibition of in-flight mobile wireless services due to concerns about potential interference with
terrestrial networks. The NPRM represents only the beginning of a process to consider carefully
whether and how we should revise our rules to give airlines the ability to allow passengers to use
mobile wireless services while flying above 10,000 feet.
Under the proposed rules, there would be several steps required before mobile wireless
services could be used aloft: (1) the aircraft would need to seek FCC authorization to utilize the
technology that captures a signal and keeps it on the plane so that it does not interfere with
terrestrial networks (it is this interference that is the basis of the current prohibition - and if such
interference can be eliminated by new onboard technology, the basis for the existing rule is
removed); (2) the airline would have to take affirmative steps, beyond the FCC rules, to comply
with the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT), and any other federal agency asserting jurisdiction; and (3) the airline's
own policies would have to be followed.
The NPRM makes clear that nothing in the proposal would limit the ability of airlines to
ban wireless voice conversations in-flight. For example, an airline could choose not to offer
voice service at all but provide only data communications so that passengers could engage in
data-focused activities, such as accessing websites, sending and receiving text messages and e -
mail, or utilizing social media to stay connected to friends and family. As you know, many
airlines offer similar services using Wi-Fi today.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Page 2-The Honorable Derek Kilmer
We are in complete agreement on the importance of safety and security aloft, and issued
the NPRM only after consulting with the relevant federal safety, security and regulatory
agencies. In addition, since the purpose of an NPRMis to gather facts, we have created a formal
input process to examine safety and security matters. This includes a federal multi-stakeholder
working group that FCC staff convened to consider national security and safety-related matters
related to in-flight wireless services. The working group includes subject matter experts from
the DOT, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), and other
relevant federal agencies. We will continue to coordinate, solicit input, and seek guidance from
our federal counterparts on this working group.
We are separately coordinating with the DOT as it appropriately examines whether to ban
voice calls aboard aircraft. On March 24, 2014, I wrote Secretary Foxx with a formal
submission in the DOT's Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) with respect to
the use of cell phones and other mobile devices on aircraft. In the letter, I stated that I, along
with several of my colleagues, have expressed concern about use of mobile wireless devices for
in-flight voice communications. I stated my support of the overwhelming number of
commenters to the FCC's NPRM who believe that allowing voice communications on aircraft
will be inordinately disruptive to their flying experiences. As a frequent airline passenger, I
share this concern and do not want the disruption that could be caused by voice calls on planes.
As the Commission moves forward with our rulemaking proceeding, we will continue to
work collaboratively with the federal agencies with appropriate jurisdiction and expertise to help
shape policies and rules that best serve the public interest. As I stated previously, the NPRM is
the beginning of a fact-gathering process, and the views you have shared will be included as part
of that process.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Adam Kinzinger
WASH INGTON
October 31, 2014
U.S. House of Representatives
1221 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Kinzinger:
Thank you for your letter expressing concern about the safety, security, and comfort
implications of the potential for passengers to use mobile voice and wireless communications
technology on commercial aircraft. I share your concerns and will not present a final
recommendation regarding this issue to my fellow Commissioners until these issues are fully
addressed in a collaborative fashion with other appropriate federal agencies. Your views are
very important and will be included in the record of that proceeding and considered as part of the
Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) review.
The FCC approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on December 12, 2013, to
consider whether advances in technology no longer warrant - on a technological basis - the
prohibition of in-flight mobile wireless services due to concerns about potential interference with
terrestrial networks. The NPRM represents only the beginning of a process to consider carefully
whether and how we should revise our rules to give airlines the ability to allow passengers to use
mobile wireless services while flying above 10,000 feet.
Under the proposed rules, there would be several steps required before mobile wireless
services could be used aloft: (1) the aircraft would need to seek FCC authorization to utilize the
technology that captures a signal and keeps it on the plane so that it does not interfere with
terrestrial networks (it is this interference that is the basis of the current prohibition - and if such
interference can be eliminated by new onboard technology, the basis for the existing rule is
removed); (2) the airline would have to take affirmative steps, beyond the FCC rules, to comply
with the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT), and any other federal agency asserting jurisdiction; and (3) the airline's
own policies would have to be followed.
The NPRM makes clear that nothing in the proposal would limit the ability of airlines to
ban wireless voice conversations in-flight. For example, an airline could choose not to offer
voice service at all but provide only data communications so that passengers could engage in
data-focused activities, such as accessing websites, sending and receiving text messages and e -
mail, or utilizing social media to stay connected to friends and family. As you know, many
airlines offer similar services using Wi-Fi today.
FEDERAL COMMUNCATJONS COMMISSION
Page 2-The Honorable Adam Kinzinger
We are in complete agreement on the importance of safety and security aloft, and issued
the NPRM only after consulting with the relevant federal safety, security and regulatory
agencies. In addition, since the purpose of an NPRM is to gather facts, we have created a formal
input process to examine safety and security matters. This includes a federal multi-stakeholder
working group that FCC staff convened to consider national security and safety-related matters
related to in-flight wireless services. The working group includes subject matter experts from
the DOT, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), and other
relevant federal agencies. We will continue to coordinate, solicit input, and seek guidance from
our federal counterparts on this working group.
We are separately coordinating with the DOT as it appropriately examines whether to ban
voice calls aboard aircraft. On March 24, 2014, I wrote Secretary Foxx with a formal
submission in the DOT's Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) with respect to
the use of cell phones and other mobile devices on aircraft. In the letter, I stated that I, along
with several of my colleagues, have expressed concern about use of mobile wireless devices for
in-flight voice communications. I stated my support of the overwhelming number of
commenters to the FCC's NPRM who believe that allowing voice communications on aircraft
will be inordinately disruptive to their flying experiences. As a frequent airline passenger, I
share this concern and do not want the disruption that could be caused by voice calls on planes.
As the Commission moves forward with our rulemaking proceeding, we will continue to
work collaboratively with the federal agencies with appropriate jurisdiction and expertise to help
shape policies and rules that best serve the public interest. As I stated previously, the NPRM is
the beginning of a fact-gathering process, and the views you have shared will be included as part
of that process.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Ann Kirkpatrick
U.S. House of Representatives
330 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Kirkpatrick:
WASH !NGTON
October 31, 2014
Thank you for your letter expressing concern about the safety, security, and comfort
implications of the potential for passengers to use mobile voice and wireless communications
technology on commercial aircraft. I share your concerns and will not present a final
recommendation regarding this issue to my fellow Commissioners until these issues are fully
addressed in a collaborative fashion with other appropriate federal agencies. Your views are
very important and will be included in the record of that proceeding and considered as part of the
Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) review.
The FCC approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on December 12, 2013, to
consider whether advances in technology no longer warrant - on a technological basis - the
prohibition of in-flight mobile wireless services due to concerns about potential interference with
terrestrial networks. The NPRM represents only the beginning of a process to consider carefully
whether and how we should revise our rules to give airlines the ability to allow passengers to use
mobile wireless services while flying above 10,000 feet.
Under the proposed rules, there would be several steps required before mobile wireless
services could be used aloft: (1) the aircraft would need to seek FCC authorization to utilize the
technology that captures a signal and keeps it on the plane so that it does not interfere with
terrestrial networks (it is this interference that is the basis of the current prohibition - and if such
interference can be eliminated by new onboard technology, the basis for the existing rule is
removed); (2) the airline would have to take affirmative steps, beyond the FCC rules, to comply
with the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT), and any other federal agency asserting jurisdiction; and (3) the airline's
own policies would have to be followed.
The NPRM makes clear that nothing in the proposal would limit the ability of airlines to
ban wireless voice conversations in-flight. For example, an airline could choose not to offer
voice service at all but provide only data communications so that passengers could engage in
data-focused activities, such as accessing websites, sending and receiving text messages and e -
mail, or utilizing social media to stay connected to friends and family. As you know, many
airlines offer similar services using Wi-Fi today.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Page 2-The Honorable Ann Kirkpatrick
We are in complete agreement on the importance of safety and security aloft, and issued
the NPRM only after consulting with the relevant federal safety, security and regulatory
agencies. In addition, since the purpose of an NPRM is to gather facts, we have created a formal
input process to examine safety and security matters. This includes a federal multi-stakeholder
working group that FCC staff convened to consider national security and safety-related matters
related to in-flight wireless services. The working group includes subject matter experts from
the DOT, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), and other
relevant federal agencies. We will continue to coordinate, solicit input, and seek guidance from
our federal counterparts on this working group.
We are separately coordinating with the DOT as it appropriately examines whether to ban
voice calls aboard aircraft. On March 24, 2014, I wrote Secretary Foxx with a formal
submission in the DOT's Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) with respect to
the use of cell phones and other mobile devices on aircraft. In the letter, I stated that I, along
with several of my colleagues, have expressed concern about use of mobile wireless devices for
in-flight voice communications. I stated my support of the overwhelming number of
commenters to the FCC's NPRM who believe that allowing voice communications on aircraft
will be inordinately disruptive to their flying experiences. As a frequent airline passenger, I
share this concern and do not want the disruption that could be caused by voice calls on planes.
As the Commission moves forward with our rulemaking proceeding, we will continue to
work collaboratively with the federal agencies with appropriate jurisdiction and expertise to help
shape policies and rules that best serve the public interest. As I stated previously, the NPRM is
the beginning of a fact-gathering process, and the views you have shared will be included as part
of that process.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
Sincerely,
-a'
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS CaM MISSJON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
WASH INGTON
October 31, 2014
The Honorable Rick Larsen
U.S. House of Representatives
2113 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Larsen:
Thank you for your letter expressing concern about the safety, security, and comfort
implications of the potential for passengers to use mobile voice and wireless communications
technology on commercial aircraft. I share your concerns and will not present a final
recommendation regarding this issue to my fellow Commissioners until these issues are fully
addressed in a collaborative fashion with other appropriate federal agencies. Your views are
very important and will be included in the record of that proceeding and considered as part of the
Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) review.
The FCC approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on December 12, 2013, to
consider whether advances in technology no longer warrant - on a technological basis - the
prohibition of in-flight mobile wireless services due to concerns about potential interference with
terrestrial networks. The NPRM represents only the beginning of a process to consider carefully
whether and how we should revise our rules to give airlines the ability to allow passengers to use
mobile wireless services while flying above 10,000 feet.
Under the proposed rules, there would be several steps required before mobile wireless
services could be used aloft: (1) the aircraft would need to seek FCC authorization to utilize the
technology that captures a signal and keeps it on the plane so that it does not interfere with
terrestrial networks (it is this interference that is the basis of the current prohibition - and if such
interference can be eliminated by new onboard technology, the basis for the existing rule is
removed); (2) the airline would have to take affirmative steps, beyond the FCC rules, to comply
with the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT), and any other federal agency asserting jurisdiction; and (3) the airline's
own policies would have to be followed.
The NPRM makes clear that nothing in the proposal would limit the ability of airlines to
ban wireless voice conversations in-flight. For example, an airline could choose not to offer
voice service at all but provide only data communications so that passengers could engage in
data-focused activities, such as accessing websites, sending and receiving text messages and e -
mail, or utilizing social media to stay connected to friends and family. As you know, many
airlines offer similar services using Wi-Fi today.
Page 2-The Honorable Rick Larsen
We are in complete agreement on the importance of safety and security aloft, and issued
the NPRM only after consulting with the relevant federal safety, security and regulatory
agencies. In addition, since the purpose of an NPRM is to gather facts, we have created a formal
input process to examine safety and security matters. This includes a federal multi-stakeholder
working group that FCC staff convened to consider national security and safety-related matters
related to in-flight wireless services. The working group includes subject matter experts from
the DOT, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), and other
relevant federal agencies. We will continue to coordinate, solicit input, and seek guidance from
our federal counterparts on this working group.
We are separately coordinating with the DOT as it appropriately examines whether to ban
voice calls aboard aircraft. On March 24, 2014, I wrote Secretary Foxx with a formal
submission in the DOT's Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (AIVPRM) with respect to
the use of cell phones and other mobile devices on aircraft. In the letter, I stated that I, along
with several of my colleagues, have expressed concern about use of mobile wireless devices for
in-flight voice communications. I stated my support of the overwhelming number of
commenters to the FCC's NPRM who believe that allowing voice communications on aircraft
will be inordinately disruptive to their flying experiences. As a frequent airline passenger, I
share this concern and do not want the disruption that could be caused by voice calls on planes.
As the Commission moves forward with our rulemaking proceeding, we will continue to
work collaboratively with the federal agencies with appropriate jurisdiction and expertise to help
shape policies and rules that best serve the public interest. As I stated previously, the NPRMis
the beginning of a fact-gathering process, and the views you have shared will be included as part
of that process.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Barbara Lee
U.S. House of Representatives
2267 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Lee:
WASH INGTON
October 31, 2014
Thank you for your letter expressing concern about the safety, security, and comfort
implications of the potential for passengers to use mobile voice and wireless communications
technology on commercial aircraft. I share your concerns and will not present a final
recommendation regarding this issue to my fellow Commissioners until these issues are fully
addressed in a collaborative fashion with other appropriate federal agencies. Your views are
very important and will be included in the record of that proceeding and considered as part of the
Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) review.
The FCC approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on December 12, 2013, to
consider whether advances in technology no longer warrant - on a technological basis - the
prohibition of in-flight mobile wireless services due to concerns about potential interference with
terrestrial networks. The NPRMrepresents only the beginning of a process to consider carefully
whether and how we should revise our rules to give airlines the ability to allow passengers to use
mobile wireless services while flying above 10,000 feet.
Under the proposed rules, there would be several steps required before mobile wireless
services could be used aloft: (1) the aircraft would need to seek FCC authorization to utilize the
technology that captures a signal and keeps it on the plane so that it does not interfere with
terrestrial networks (it is this interference that is the basis of the current prohibition - and if such
interference can be eliminated by new onboard technology, the basis for the existing rule is
removed); (2) the airline would have to take affirmative steps, beyond the FCC rules, to comply
with the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT), and any other federal agency asserting jurisdiction; and (3) the airline's
own policies would have to be followed.
The NPRM makes clear that nothing in the proposal would limit the ability of airlines to
ban wireless voice conversations in-flight. For example, an airline could choose not to offer
voice service at all but provide only data communications so that passengers could engage in
data-focused activities, such as accessing websites, sending and receiving text messages and e -
mail, or utilizing social media to stay connected to friends and family. As you know, many
airlines offer similar services using Wi-Fi today.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Page 2-The Honorable Barbara Lee
We are in complete agreement on the importance of safety and security aloft, and issued
the NPRM only after consulting with the relevant federal safety, security and regulatory
agencies. In addition, since the purpose of an NPRM is to gather facts, we have created a formal
input process to examine safety and security matters. This includes a federal multi-stakeholder
working group that FCC staff convened to consider national security and safety-related matters
related to in-flight wireless services. The working group includes subject matter experts from
the DOT, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), and other
relevant federal agencies. We will continue to coordinate, solicit input, and seek guidance from
our federal counterparts on this working group.
We are separately coordinating with the DOT as it appropriately examines whether to ban
voice calls aboard aircraft. On March 24, 2014, I wrote Secretary Foxx with a formal
submission in the DOT's Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) with respect to
the use of cell phones and other mobile devices on aircraft. In the letter, I stated that I, along
with several of my colleagues, have expressed concern about use of mobile wireless devices for
in-flight voice communications. I stated my support of the overwhelming number of
commenters to the FCC's NPRM who believe that allowing voice communications on aircraft
will be inordinately disruptive to their flying experiences. As a frequent airline passenger, I
share this concern and do not want the disruption that could be caused by voice calls on planes.
As the Commission moves forward with our rulemaking proceeding, we will continue to
work collaboratively with the federal agencies with appropriate jurisdiction and expertise to help
shape policies and rules that best serve the public interest. As I stated previously, the NPRM is
the beginning of a fact-gathering process, and the views you have shared will be included as part
of that process.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Sander Levin
U.S. House of Representatives
1236 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Levin:
WASH INGTON
October 31, 2014
Thank you for your letter expressing concern about the safety, security, and comfort
implications of the potential for passengers to use mobile voice and wireless communications
technology on commercial aircraft. I share your concerns and will not present a final
recommendation regarding this issue to my fellow Commissioners until these issues are fully
addressed in a collaborative fashion with other appropriate federal agencies. Your views are
very important and will be included in the record of that proceeding and considered as part of the
Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) review.
The FCC approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on December 12, 2013, to
consider whether advances in technology no longer warrant - on a technological basis - the
prohibition of in-flight mobile wireless services due to concerns about potential interference with
terrestrial networks. The NPRM represents only the beginning of a process to consider carefully
whether and how we should revise our rules to give airlines the ability to allow passengers to use
mobile wireless services while flying above 10,000 feet.
Under the proposed rules, there would be several steps required before mobile wireless
services could be used aloft: (1) the aircraft would need to seek FCC authorization to utilize the
technology that captures a signal and keeps it on the plane so that it does not interfere with
terrestrial networks (it is this interference that is the basis of the current prohibition - and if such
interference can be eliminated by new onboard technology, the basis for the existing rule is
removed); (2) the airline would have to take affirmative steps, beyond the FCC rules, to comply
with the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT), and any other federal agency asserting jurisdiction; and (3) the airline's
own policies would have to be followed.
The NPRM makes clear that nothing in the proposal would limit the ability of airlines to
ban wireless voice conversations in-flight. For example, an airline could choose not to offer
voice service at all but provide only data communications so that passengers could engage in
data-focused activities, such as accessing websites, sending and receiving text messages and e -
mail, or utilizing social media to stay connected to friends and family. As you know, many
airlines offer similar services using Wi-Fi today.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Page 2-The Honorable Sander Levin
We are in complete agreement on the importance of safety and security aloft, and issued
the NPRM only after consulting with the relevant federal safety, security and regulatory
agencies. In addition, since the purpose of an NPRM is to gather facts, we have created a formal
input process to examine safety and security matters. This includes a federal multi-stakeholder
working group that FCC staff convened to consider national security and safety-related matters
related to in-flight wireless services. The working group includes subject matter experts from
the DOT, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), and other
relevant federal agencies. We will continue to coordinate, solicit input, and seek guidance from
our federal counterparts on this working group.
We are separately coordinating with the DOT as it appropriately examines whether to ban
voice calls aboard aircraft. On March 24, 2014, I wrote Secretary Foxx with a formal
submission in the DOT's Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) with respect to
the use of cell phones and other mobile devices on aircraft. In the letter, I stated that I, along
with several of my colleagues, have expressed concern about use of mobile wireless devices for
in-flight voice communications. I stated my support of the overwhelming number of
commenters to the FCC's NPRM who believe that allowing voice communications on aircraft
will be inordinately disruptive to their flying experiences. As a frequent airline passenger, I
share this concern and do not want the disruption that could be caused by voice calls on planes.
As the Commission moves forward with our rulemaking proceeding, we will continue to
work collaboratively with the federal agencies with appropriate jurisdiction and expertise to help
shape policies and rules that best serve the public interest. As I stated previously, the NPRMis
the beginning of a fact-gathering process, and the views you have shared will be included as part
of that process.
I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further
assistance.
Sincerely,
Tom Wheeler