Prospect Of In-Flight Cell Phone Calls Sparks Bipartisan Backlash

The government is proposing a rule that would let plane passengers use their cell phone data plans to text or check email during a flight. However, regulators hope to limit phone calls after consumer blacklash to FTC Chairman Tom Wheeler’s suggestion that calls be allowed as part of an effort to update old agency rules. It’s unclear whether regulators can stop, or penalize, passengers who get phone calls during a flight.