The Federal Aviation Administration on Monday launched a government-industry working group to determine whether more electronic devices can be safely used on aircraft during flight.
Current FCC regulations require aircraft operators to determine whether interference from a given mobile electronic devices could cause safety risks before allowing such devices to be used.
With the rise in the types of electronic devices, including tablet computers, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said it is a matter that needs to be addressed.
"Safety is our highest priority, and we must set appropriate standards as we help the industry consider when passengers can use the latest technologies safely during a flight," he said in a statement.
Flyers won't be able to use their cellphones to make calls anytime soon, however. That's one issues the group won't be considering.
sponsored
Event: Digital Government Success: Meeting the Call for 21st Century Government
How DHS is Mondernzing Mobile Procurement
Performance Analytics: What It Means for Your Agency
What Big Data Means for TSA & Airport Security
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
By using this service you agree not to post material that is obscene, harassing, defamatory, or otherwise objectionable. Although Nextgov does not monitor comments posted to this site (and has no obligation to), it reserves the right to delete, edit, or move any material that it deems to be in violation of this rule.