Why Can’t You Use Your Cell Phone on an Airplane?

As we try to answer this question we have to understand the difference between “can” and “may.” For nearly 20 years, the federal agency responsible for electronic communication in the United States and the companies that own airplanes have banned the use of cellular phones on airplanes. This means we may not use our phones on board a plane. We are not allowed to, by law or company policy.

But the other half of this answer is that we can do it. This means cellular phones will usually work on airplanes. We are able to do it because technology is there to make it possible. But the government says we may not.

So, now that we have that straight, let’s answer the question posed in the title. Why can’t you use your cell phone on an airplane?

As we stated, it is against the law. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) determined that radio frequencies that carry the signals between cell phones and towers might cause the aircraft’s electronic systems to malfunction. The airline companies came up with some of their own guidelines and policies about when a cell phone can be used. They even determine when the phone should be shut off altogether.

The FCC is in charge when it comes to electronic devices. The study made in association with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) indicates that cell phone signals may interfere with the radio communications between pilots and control personnel on the ground. The government and company restrictions don’t apply to private aircraft.

In spite of the rulings from federal agencies and the policies of various airline companies, there is still some doubt about the true effect of cell phone signals on airplane/ground communications. Some reports by companies that operate commercial aircraft say phone signals have disrupted navigation systems and cabin-pressure systems. This has led to a general ban on any electronic equipment that sends or receives a radio-frequency signal.

There are some cynics who believe that the restrictions on cell phone use are just a way to force people to use the on-board phones provided on seat backs. This might have some truth to it since the phone service could be very profitable for the companies involved. One of the ideas proposed is that the low-power phones in use today would have little or no effect on other radio communication.

In the last few years, the restrictions and policies on cell phone use have been changing slightly. On most flights the company asks that the electronic devices not be used until the plane is at the terminal. This would indicate that the company and the FCC still feels cell phone use during flight would be a problem.

The jury is still out on this one, so to speak. One theory holds that a cell phone call could interfere with important radio communications or even cause a plane to crash. Another theory states that the cell phone companies just don’t want a call from 35,000 feet because that call could use hundreds of different cell towers. Tracking and paying for these calls would be difficult. Again, the jury is still out.