Short Stuff: Cellphones on Airplanes

This episode tackles the question of why you can't make cell phone calls on airplanes, despite Wi-Fi being available. Josh and Chuck explore the dual regulatory stance of the FAA and FCC—the FAA worries about electromagnetic interference with flight systems, while the FCC is concerned about ground communication tower overload. They also discuss Richard Branson's somewhat baffling decision to offer cell phone service on some Virgin flights outside the US, and why flight attendants and regular passengers are basically united in saying absolutely not to in-flight phone calls.