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ARTICLE · 19 DECEMBER 2013

FCC Begins Process To Review Rules For In-Flight Wireless Services

Mayer Brown
Mayer Brown
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On December 12, the Federal Communications Commission officially launched its proceeding to consider a proposal that would permit airlines to install equipment on aircraft that could expand the availability of in-flight wireless services to passengers.

United StatesMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment

Keywords: FCC, in-flight wireless service

On December 12, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) officially launched its proceeding to consider a proposal that would permit airlines to install equipment on aircraft that could expand the availability of in-flight wireless services to passengers. The comment period will begin 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, which we expect sometime in January 2014.

By way of background, the FCC prohibited in-flight mobile cellular use in 1991 due to concerns about harmful interference to airline navigation systems, networks on the ground, or both. Since that time, technology has evolved to include a greater availability of spectrum suitable for mobile services and the development of specialized onboard systems that can effectively prevent interference with terrestrial wireless networks. Also, although consumer use of mobile voice service has steadily declined, use of data services—accessed

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