Press Releases

Arlington, Va. (Nov. 17, 2014) – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, and Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) sent a joint letter to the Department of Transportation (DoT) regarding the use of mobile devices on planes.

TIA and ITI appreciate that the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protection is considering this issue. In their letter, TIA and ITI noted that "all speakers at the Committee's recent meeting clarified that there are no concerns regarding 'quiet' applications (e.g., SMS and data / E-mail)."

Regarding voice services, many foreign airlines have chosen to disable such services, while those permitting voice calls have seen no adverse effects on airline operations or passengers. TIA and ITI urge the DoT to lift these restrictions, noting: "Rather than an a priori ban that limits airline and consumer choice, the Department should permit U.S. airlines to retain the choice of offering applications such as text, mobile data, and voice that they determine best suit their passengers' needs. The introduction of new in-flight connectivity applications, including in-flight use of mobile devices as an alternative to WiFi-based offerings, will enhance competition in the in-flight connectivity market and the passenger experience onboard aircraft."

Read the joint letter in its entirety at this link.

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