FCC to consider allowing cell phone calls on flights

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission will consider a proposal in December that would allow airline passengers to make cell phone calls while flying above 10,000 feet on specially equipped planes.

“Modern technologies can deliver mobile services in the air safely and reliably, and the time is right to review our outdated and restrictive rules,” FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said in a prepared statement.

Current FCC rules prohibit passengers from making cell phone calls and using their data plans, citing potential interference with wireless networks on the ground.

Aaron Cooper | CNN