DOT threatens to enact its own ban on in-flight calls

The possibility in-flight voice calls inched closer to reality Thursday, though new opposition may be on the horizon.

Paste BN reports "a divided Federal Communications Commission agreed Thursday to collect public comment" on a proposal that would end the prohibition of in-flight voice calls.

But there may be one voice that could trump all other efforts on the subject.

Paste BN notes "the Department of Transportation will consider its own ban on voice calls, texts or data."

The Wall Street Journal adds the agency, "which oversees air travel, issued a surprise announcement saying it believes passengers and the airline industry are overwhelmingly against such cellphone use, and will consider banning in-flight voice calls."

"The Transportation Department's decision would take precedence," the Journal adds.

In the meantime, it will be the status quo for fliers – at least as far as in-flight mobile phone calls are concerned.

"Nothing will be different on your flight tomorrow," FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said Thursday. "We're just seeking comments on the proposal."

Stay tuned ...