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FCC aims to boost airborne wireless, Internet
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-12-16 15:52
U.S. airline travelers may be able to use their mobile telephones as well as
get high-speed Internet service while in the air under plans launched by U.S.
communications regulators on Wednesday.
The Federal Communications Commission proposed easing its ban on wireless
phones and other communications devices while airborne. Voting 5-0 to seek
public comment, the FCC said it was coordinating with the Federal Aviation
Administration that is due to receive its own report on the issue next year.
To address concerns about interfering with aircraft safety, the FCC proposed
that the phones and other gadgets operate at their lowest power and their
signals be retransmitted to the ground by a central device on the aircraft.
In addition to concerns about interference with aircraft communications and
guidance systems, there are worries about overwhelming devices on the ground and
whether it is technically feasible to support thousands of calls in the air.
And in the world where many travelers are looking for the next chance to log
on to the Internet, the FCC said it would auction next year airwaves aimed at
providing high-speed broadband Internet to airline passengers at their seats.
While the five FCC commissioners loved the concept of airborne Internet, they
expressed trepidation about scores of travelers chattering into their phones in
the air. But they agreed aerial etiquette was not their responsibility.
"Our job is to make communications possible," said FCC Chairman Michael
Powell. "Society, the airlines, and the FAA will have a lot more to say
about how and in what manner these services can function."
Phones
embedded in airline seat backs have been available for years, but consumers have
largely balked at their cost. A Verizon Communications unit is currently the
major provider of air-to-ground telephones on U.S. flights.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) forbids the cabin use of
devices that intentionally emit radio waves during flight -- like wireless
phones and computers that can communicate with each other. An FAA advisory group
is due to report next year on whether to ease the ban.
"We want to make sure no device interferes with navigation and communication
equipment on the airplane," said Laura Brown, an FAA spokeswoman.
The FCC proposal drew some skepticism from the Air Transport Association, the
industry's chief lobbying group, which noted the service would be at least two
or three years away.
"A couple issues need to be addressed first -- solving the interference
problem and delivering technology that makes cell phones work at 30,000 feet,"
said Doug Wills, an association spokesman. "There also is a nuisance factor
(that needs to be addressed)."
HIGH-SPEED INTERNET ALOFT
The FCC on Wednesday also approved rules aimed at promoting telephone and
high-speed Internet services on airplanes with air-to-ground frequencies now
used by those seat back phones.
The agency voted to auction 4 megahertz of wireless airwaves by the end of
2005, but left open how the airwaves would be divided between bidders. That drew
some criticism from the Democrats on the FCC.
The FCC set up scenarios for splitting the airwaves and the agency will go
with whichever one receives the highest bids. The possibilities include either
two overlapping licenses for 3 megahertz (Mhz) of airwaves, or one 3 Mhz
exclusive license and another 1 Mhz exclusive license.
"The way the FCC has decided to launch this new service risks creating a
monopoly for broadband air-to-ground services," said Commissioner Michael Copps.
Airlines, wireless companies and aircraft maker Boeing Co. are excited by the
prospect of more in-flight communications services to meet travelers' demands --
and the possible extra revenue.
The FCC also on Wednesday granted Verizon a nonrenewable, five-year extension
of its current license to operate airborne phone service. Verizon would be
limited to operating its service in 1 Mhz of the airwaves, the agency said.
The FAA has certified an on-board Internet connection for international
flights developed by Boeing that operates off satellites.
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