Re:Why you can't get cell service on the tarmac
by coding_unit_1 on Tuesday December 10, 2019 @03:29AM
(#21750708)
If there was any danger of mobile phones interfering with aircraft systems then they wouldn’t rely on the general public following instructions to make it safe.
Re:Why you can't get cell service on the tarmac
by antihero on Tuesday December 10, 2019 @04:53AM
(#21751110)
This is the logic I've always held - if it's actually dangerous, they wouldn't allow it on board.
Re:Why you can't get cell service on the tarmac
by dijit on Tuesday December 10, 2019 @05:48AM
(#21751357)
It's annoying that they wont tell us the context of why they prefer it, I'm assuming it's due to the interference I've seen in my own life.
However it could just as easily be spectrum oversaturation, so if 10% of passengers disobey there's no issue, but if 100% of passengers disobey then they have to start restricting phones on planes.
Air travel feels draconian enough, I'm willing to just comply, since this compliance benefits my battery-life anyway I'm not going to split hairs. I would like to bring water with me though.
Re:Why you can't get cell service on the tarmac
by gpderetta on Tuesday December 10, 2019 @05:35AM
(#21751306)
I remember the incoming call interference being being a thing in 2G times (late 90s, early 00s), but I haven't experienced it in a very long time. Do digital protocols cause less interference (possibly due to frequency hopping or just running on different frequencies)?
edit: 2G was also digital.
Often you can tell that your phone is about to ring before the phone even begins to vibrate or chime.
https://www.quora.com/Why-do-speakers-make-noise-when-mobile...
There is a high likelihood that this isn’t a problem now and hasn’t been a problem for some time; but it might be wise to err on the side of caution if you want your pilot not to have to repeat or request repeats of radio information.
And once you’re in the air your phone will frenetically try to connect to a cell tower, absolutely murdering battery life. So you should turn it off after take off anyway just for your own battery sake.