Comments on: Episode 49: Cell Phones on a Plane

By: Sanmugam

Sanmugam — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 07:13:39 +0000

Personally, I prefer the Sensation for two rsanoes: higher display resolution (540 x 960 vs. 480 x 800) and the Sensation has a dual-core processor. On the other hand, the G2x has a little better camera and a purer version of Android 2.3. But I’d go with higher resolution and more power first.Bob at Wirefly

By: Kevin

Kevin — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 07:42:22 +0000

Just don’t use them. No one wants to listen to a one sided conversation for hours during a plane trip. And besides the RF energy will interfere with the avionics on the plane.

By: floyd

floyd — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 22:00:18 +0000

I prefer the mobile phone ban; less noise in the airplane.

By: Marcus

Marcus — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:57:21 +0000

Came here becaue of the news this week about celebrity using cell phone, and recalled Mythbusters had done this. So, there IS a eason not to use them… then get to Lonny’s post here- did you even READ the thing, Lonny?

By: Splxq2000

Splxq2000 — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:04:34 +0000

Do you have any idea what sort of power and antenna it would take to send a signal UP from a cell phone to a GPS satellite? Check out an Iridium phone sometime.

GPS receivers are just that- receivers. They listen- there are no transmissions (barring EMI/RFI interference etc) from a handheld device going up to the GPS satellites in order to locate your position. That’s just not how it works.

By: DT

DT — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:44:56 +0000

Simple, Don’t fly if you can’t keep out of touch for a few hours. Electronic interference can be disastrous and also nuisance value of using a mobile phone when a) Fellow passengers are sleeping b) Evacuation is ordered c) PA announcements regarding safety d) Food is being served. It’s not that you are going into space forever , just a few hours. I hope they keep the ban in place. Fly safe !!!
P.S I am not saying using mobile phones during a flight is the only risk , there may be other safety factors but mobile phone contributes in some way

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:18:15 +0000

Because it’s SO HARD to turn off your electronics for 10 minutes during the climb.. Good grief.

By: Brad

Brad — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 18:35:30 +0000

Interesting…. So what happens to the planes when most people utilize LTE or WiMax Phones? The radios are using 700-900 MHZ Depending on the carriers.

By: Krystle

Krystle — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 07:06:01 +0000

I heard that sound before. I agree you are absolutely right. I even heard that same interference on my child’s keyboard before receiving a phone call or text on my cell phone. The keyboard has no wire connections and no am/fm radio.

By: LOL

LOL — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 05:40:30 +0000

Replying to a post 4 years later? =P

Incidentally, you’re right… All devices cause interference, but radios intentionally emit “interference”.

That said, if the plane’s electronics is unshielded, I think you have a much bigger problem then cell phones.