FCC Makes Internet On Airplanes Easier To Achieve

In an age where many of us are tied onto the Internet in some way at almost any given point of the day, it seems almost outdated that there are still a few places, such as subways, where we lost all contact with the digital web. Recently, however, a small victory has recently been won in the fight for omnipotent Internet access, as the FCC has approved an applications process for airlines to provide broadband access during flights. 

"These new rules will help airlines and broadband providers offer high-speed internet to passengers, including by accelerating by up to 50 percent the processing of applications to provide broadband on planes," FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said in a statement. 

The FCC, or Federal Communications Commission, is responsible for regulating American telecommunications. Until now, airlines received broadband access rights in "ad hoc" circumstances, according to the Washington Post. 

While some airlines seem to be expressing interest according to reports, others are hesitant to begin opening up Internet access to passengers. The reason being is that as stressful as the flying experience is, some passengers would prefer not to have everybody on their electronics devices all the time during the flight. Whether this is reasonable or not, it brings up the question of what devices will have access and which ones won't. Imagine having most of the cramped cabin constantly talking on their cellphones while you're trying to get some sleep. 

At the moment, e-readers are put in the same boat as cellphones and have to be turned off during takeoff and landing. An e-reader, however, would not pose the same safety threat as a cellphone to the pilot and their instruments, say experts in the same Washington Post article. 

Luckily, the airlines will still have to get their Internet systems tested for safety by the Federal Aviation Authority, which has stated it will not consider the use of cellphones in its study. 

I, for one, would welcome internet access on more of my flights - what about you?