The article says that the FCC has voted to allow travelers to access "high speed internet" while on the planes, not just any wireless access.
Quote:
The FCC also voted to solicit comments from the public about ending the ban on in-flight use of cell phones. Among the issues to consider are whether passengers want to be surrounded by cell phone conversations.
"The ability to communicate is a vital one, but good cell phone etiquette is also essential," Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein said. "Our job is to see if this is possible and then let consumers work out the etiquette."
Still, airlines must weigh the demand for such service against the desire of other passengers for a quiet cabin, Wills said. "Some people see a cell-free environment as a good thing," he said.
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So the vote they took to allow wireless internet access will not allow passengers to use cell phones...at least not yet
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But Andy Baker brings up a good point about the signal being available at the flight altitude. They are adding technology to planes to allow it to receive the internet connection and it will not be capable for cell-phone use.
I see this as a great step foward for the airline industry.