(credit: Travis Olbrich)
The Internet-connected world could get even more connected as federal aviation officials are considering rules on whether fliers should, or shouldn’t, make Wi-Fi-based calls.
The US Department of Transportation announced Thursday it was seeking public comment on the topic. It is asking the public to ponder whether a rule should demand that airlines, if they offer potential phone service, should provide advance notice to fliers (perhaps at the time of ticket purchase). Regulators also want public input on whether in-flight Wi-Fi calling should be banned outright.
“Consumers deserve to have clear and accurate information about whether an airline permits voice calls before they purchase a ticket and board the aircraft,” US Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx said in a statement. “Today’s proposal will ensure that air travelers are not unwillingly exposed to voice calls, as many of them are troubled over the idea of passengers talking on cellphones in flight.”
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Source: Ars Technica – US flight regulators consider whether to allow or bar in-flight Wi-Fi calls