Phone calls on the plane, that’s why the US said “no” and the EU gave the ok – Corriere.it

Europe says yes to in-flight calls, the United States reiterates its no. And with a contrary front – across the Atlantic – which sees, together, airlines, pilots, flight attendants and even passengers. It took seven years of discussions, criticisms, controversies and warnings: in the end the American authorities gave up and decided to archive the possibility of making calls at high altitudes. At least in this period.

The EU decision

As told by Courier in November the European Commission gave the go-ahead to update a 2008 decision and gave member countries until 30 June 2023 to assign 5G frequencies to aircraft. With this intervention, passengers flying within the EU will thus be able to use their smartphone to its fullest potential, including calls, says Brussels in a statement. From that moment the airlines will be able to authorize telephone conversations.

The American proposal

But how did it go in the US? On 12 December 2013, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) proposed to review the rules on mobile communications on board aircraft, thus providing for the possibility of also authorizing calls at high altitudes. At that point a public consultation was opened which continued until autumn 2020. On November 24 of that year, with a two-page note, the FCC gave up for not having found any reasonable solution that would reconcile the interests divergent parties. Not only. There is strong opposition to the Commission’s proposals from many stakeholders in this proceeding, including airline pilots and flight attendants.

The reactions

Some of those comments on the FCC proposal are worth catching up on. In-flight phone calls must be banned to reduce disruption on board, several cabin crew unions complain. Many flight attendants and travelers find the possibility of several simultaneous calls during the flight unacceptable. Not only. It adds a trade association that calls could also be dangerous as people tend to speak louder on the phone than during a face-to-face conversation which would increase noise on board.

The critical points

If the use of smartphones is no longer dangerous to the aircraft’s electronic equipment as before, allowing in-flight calls would be an unacceptable safety risk as it would compromise the ability of flight attendants to perform their duties properly and to maintain order during an emergency and would increase noise and tensions among passengers.

The decision

But what could happen if the US were to change its mind and allow in-flight phone calls? There are those who say no regardless. In a 2017 letter, United Airlines, one of the largest airlines in the world, has already communicated that it will not allow calls on board even if future regulations allow it: our employees and customers do not want this possibility on board. We believe this is the right thing to do to make your travel experience more enjoyable.