The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is still holding firm the decision to not allow cell phone usage on airplanes. It has spent the past couple of years re-examining the current rules, which require cell phones to be turned off once the plane leaves the ground.The FCC's concern is that the use of the cell phones in the air might interfere with cell phone networks on the ground, however, the commission says there still isn't enough information available on whether that would be the case. FAA rules also restrict the use of cell phones and other portable electronic devices on planes to make sure they don't interfere with the aircraft's navigation and communication systems.Some international airlines are working with technology companies to allow cell phones onboard. Last November, AeroMobile, the provider of mobile phone services to airlines, announced Emirates as the world’s first airline to introduce in-flight mobile phone use for passengers.

Last July, ASI Entertainment, announced that it has applied for a patent that allows cell phones to be operated in-flight, without interfering with the aircraft's avionics and the ground networks and eliminates the problem of annoying voice calls.