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The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism announced this week plans to ease regulations surrounding the use of mobile devices on planes during takeoff and landing, beginning on Sept 1.
Under the current regulations, the use of smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices during takeoff and landing is prohibited as the electro-magnetic waves they give off can interfere with the operating systems of the aircraft. Thus, all passengers are asked to turn off all electronic devices during that time.
However, starting on Sept 1, the ministry is planning on lifting this restriction and allowing passengers to use their mobile devices as long as they are set to "Flight Mode," which is a function that dulls all possible electro-magnetic interference, TBS reported Friday. The use of digital cameras and other similar devices will also be allowed. Speaking on one's mobile device, however, will still be prohibited.
Aviation authorities in the U.S. lifted their ban on the use of smartphones and the like in October of last year.
© Japan Today
4 Comments
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Serrano
Cripes! Airlines should not only ban the use of mobile phones and computers on board, they should require passengers to crack open a book, lol.
timeon
I don't mind the phone, but I hope they will allow the use of laptops the entire flight, since I mostly fly for business and those last minute preparations are quite important
slumdog
Isn't it just the bit just after take off and just before landing where you can't use laptops? Personally, I would prefer of people did not have the opportunity to talk extremely loudly on their phones on airplanes. Texting or internet use is fine by me. But I really do not want to hear a plane load of people talking about what they are eating, etc.
Serrano
"I really do not want to hear a plane load of people talking about what they are eating, etc."
Or most of their inane chatter.