(?52( FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF October 31, 2014THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Beto O'Rourke
U.S. House of Representatives
1721 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative ORourke:
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 (NPRIVJ) 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 Beto O'Rourke
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,
er
FEDERAL COMMUN!CATIONS CoMMissioN
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
WASH TNGTON
October 31, 2014
The Honorable Bill Pascrell
U.S. House of Representatives
2370 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Pascrell:
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 Bill Pascrell
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,
vM
om Wheeler
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Ed Perlmutter
U.S. House of Representatives
1410 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Perimutter:
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 Ed Perlmutter
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.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
WASHINGTON
October 31, 2014
The Honorable Mark Pocan
U.S. House of Representatives
313 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Pocan:
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 Mark Pocan
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 NPRMwho 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 sharecLwill 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
WASH INGTON
October 31, 2014
The Honorable Mike Quigley
U.S. House of Representatives
1124 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Quigley:
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 Mike Quigley
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 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 Nick Rahall
U.S. House of Representatives
2307 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Rahall:
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 Nick Rahall
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
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Charles Rangel
U.S. House of Representatives
2354 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Range!:
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 Charles Rangel
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 Reid Ribble
U.S. House of Representatives
1513 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Ribble:
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 Reid Ribble
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 Lucille Roybal-Allard
U.S. House of Representatives
2330 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Roybal-Allard:
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
tecimology 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 Lucille Roybal-Allard
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 Jan Schakowsky
U.S. House of Representatives
2367 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Schakowsky:
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 Jan Schakowsky
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.
ncerebTy
Tom Wheeler
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
WASHINGTON
October 31, 2014
The Honorable Carol Shea-Porter
U.S. House of Representatives
1530 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Shea-Porter:
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 Carol Shea-Porter
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
TJ-IE CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Albio Sires
U.S. House of Representatives
2342 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Sires:
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 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 Albio Sires
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 NPRMwho 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 Jackie Speier
U.S. House of Representatives
211 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Speier:
WAS HNGTON
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 Jackie Speier
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
WASH INGTON
October 31, 2014
The Honorable Eric Swalwell
U.S. House of Representatives
501 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Swalwell:
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 Eric Swaiwell
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