In a dramatic departure from most airlines' policies, American Airlines has decided to let passengers use their cell phones while their plane is on the ground.
Most airlines, including American, prohibit passengers -- whenever they're in a plane -- from using any transmitting devices, including two-way pagers and cell phones, because the devices may interfere with cockpit instruments. Even though cell phones operate on different frequencies from cockpit instruments, the Federal Aviation Administration recommends restricting the devices in flight to eliminate even the slightest possibility of interference.
But American Airlines says it vigorously tested cell-phone use on its aircraft and received approval by the FAA to extend the privilege to passengers. Starting July 8, American says it will let passengers use their two-way pagers and cell phones before takeoff until the plane's door is shut for departure, and after landing while the plane is taxiing to the gate.
"We're pleased to be the first airline to offer this relaxed cell-phone policy. We know how important it is for our customers to stay in touch with family, friends and business associates while traveling," said Dan Garton, American's executive vice president of marketing.
Even if American wanted to let passengers use their cell phones in the air, the company is prohibited from doing so because the Federal Communications Commission bans use of the devices in flight. The FCC says the devices could interfere with cellular systems on the ground because "of the greatly increased transmitting range of a cell phone in the air," an FCC spokeswoman said.
- - -
Rotating cell phone: Finnish company MyOrigo has created a cell phone that rotates the image on its screen depending on how the handset is held.
MyOrigo says the phone, which uses software from the Tao Group, includes unique motion control and "touch and feel" technologies. The phone's color screen adjusts as the user tilts the phone and scrolls down to find information or use the phone's QWERTY keyboard.
The phone, which MyOrigo will market to both businesses and consumers in Europe, is a world phone with extensive multimedia and text-messaging capabilities. The company hasn't set a price for the product yet.
- - -
Verizon calls Nextel a spy: Controversy is brewing over Nextel's pet "push-to-talk" walkie-talkie cellular service.
While other carriers appear to be copying Nextel and plan to release push-to-talk features of their own later this year, Verizon Wireless recently filed a lawsuit accusing Nextel of stealing Verizon's corporate secrets related to a nationwide push-to-talk service.
The service lets users immediately reach someone else using the service by pushing a button on the handset -- just like a walkie-talkie.
In a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Virginia, Verizon said Nextel obtained two prototype push-to-talk phones on June 10 and used the handsets to make hundreds of calls on Verizon's network. The tests, Verizon contends, gave Nextel access to its trade secrets.
Nextel vehemently denies the accusations. "We are therefore baffled by the claims made by Verizon Wireless in its filing," the company said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Nextel remains the only U.S. carrier to offer nationwide "Direct Connect" cell-phone service. In separate but related news, AT&T Wireless said it would sell push-to-talk services sometime in the first quarter of next year. Both Sprint PCS and Verizon have said they would offer their own version of the walkie-talkie service either by the end of this year or early next year.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
