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Top 10 Cell Phone Myths Explained
You've probably heard a lot of urban legends about cell phones. They cause cancer. They crash planes. If you sneeze and hiccup at the same time while talking on one, you die. Like many myths and rumors, many of these stories are based on speculation, misunderstanding of technology, and outright lies. Then again, some of them have facts and experts to support them. Here, Switched sorts through the mess and explains some of the most popular rumors and legends. Whether you believe us or not is up to you.
Cell phones crash planes
Myth: If you use a cell phone while flying, the signal can interfere with the plane's compass and navigation systems, possibly leading to a crash.
True or False? It's debatable. Anyone who's flown knows that flight attendants ask you to turn off all electronics, including phones, until after takeoff. According to one pilot who was interviewed by ABC News, the reason for this is so you pay attention to safety instructions, and, in the case of an aborted liftoff, "I don't want a laptop flying across the cabin." A UK study in 2003 showed some interference with compasses and navigation systems, but that was done in controlled settings, not on real planes. More recent studies by the NASA and the FAA have found no instances where a cell phone caused a crash, although some pilots claimed otherwise. Currently, the approach is "better safe than sorry," but they say that systems in aircraft are shielded enough not to be disrupted. As soon as it's proven that there's no link or threat, you'll be able to talk someone's ear off instead of watching the crappy in-flight movie.
Cell phones crash planes
Myth: If you use a cell phone while flying, the signal can interfere with the plane's compass and navigation systems, possibly leading to a crash.
True or False? It's debatable. Anyone who's flown knows that flight attendants ask you to turn off all electronics, including phones, until after takeoff. According to one pilot who was interviewed by ABC News, the reason for this is so you pay attention to safety instructions, and, in the case of an aborted liftoff, "I don't want a laptop flying across the cabin." A UK study in 2003 showed some interference with compasses and navigation systems, but that was done in controlled settings, not on real planes. More recent studies by the NASA and the FAA have found no instances where a cell phone caused a crash, although some pilots claimed otherwise. Currently, the approach is "better safe than sorry," but they say that systems in aircraft are shielded enough not to be disrupted. As soon as it's proven that there's no link or threat, you'll be able to talk someone's ear off instead of watching the crappy in-flight movie.
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Comments
37
Subscribe to commentsSplashMar 15th 2008 2:22AM
Cell phones do not cause plane crashes. That is a bogus reason that uses fear (a real motivator). The reason they don't want you to use your cell during take off (or any other electronic device)is because they want your attention while lifting off. The reason they let you use every other electronic device except your cell phone when the plane is airborne is a) because they want you to use the $10 per minute phone they provide you on the back of the seat in front of you and (more importantly) b) because when you are 25,000 feet up in the air your cell phone feeds directly off the communications satellite (no tower is close enough to serve you) and the phone company has NO WAY TO BILL YOU FOR THE CALL. They hate that. It's all about the $$$.
drewMar 15th 2008 8:39PM
splash is an idiot. anyone who has accidentally left their phone on knows that you don't have service while youre up in the air.
poggyMay 13th 2008 8:58PM
You're right. Cell phones do not work on airplanes flying even a little above the ground and at significant speeds. This whole controversy about cell phones on planes is silly - they don't work on planes unless the plane is on the runway or at low altitude at low speed.
lip11@yahoo.com
SydneyMar 17th 2008 9:33PM
There isn't service in the air for the most part. Although... at times I've been able to send text messages when traveling on private planes. I think maybe that we were flying at a lower altitude though.
buykatMar 16th 2008 8:01PM
The most obvious proof that cell phones do work and don't cause navigation problems is 9/11. People aboard all four of those planes used their cells to call family. The wackos were still able (with the exception of the plane that went down in Pennsylvania because of passenger intervention) to control the planes to (sadly) achieve thier ultimate targets.
Kat
poggyMay 13th 2008 8:59PM
What is your proof that they successfully used cell phones on the 911 hijacked planes? Have you ever tried to use a cell phone on a plane at altitude - there's no signal!
WTFJul 20th 2010 4:10PM
@"what is your proof?": did you not watch the news?
In any case, the calls were made towards the end, at a lower altitude. Also, a good deal of these have as little as NO research put into them and at least a couple prove that the author is dead wrong.
SallyAnthonyMar 16th 2008 4:06PM
Why do we want cell phones to work on airplanes? I find solice in that moment when I'm told to turn off my cell phones and computer. It's peaceful. In a day and age where people can reach us, instantly, 24 hrs. a day, let's keep this myth going...true or not.
steve pagnoniMar 16th 2008 4:31PM
Ive been in cellular business for 20 yrs.and and at least two of these myths that they say they are clearing are inaccuarated. First the remote control through the cellphone can actually open your car door .. I didnt belive it either until i actually tried it myself... it worked!! secondtly theres no need to know ur esn no. your carrier has it in there system and you need them to turn your phone on or off anyway.. it does you no good to have that no. when trying to turn your phone off if lost..
SplashMar 16th 2008 9:56PM
Thanks for the kind words, Drew. Debasing yourself by hurling insults has long been recognized as a form of self-loathing. Cell phones do work in the air; perhaps you didn't pay your bill.
NeckMar 16th 2008 10:22PM
Splash--great comeback!!
YakiMar 17th 2008 2:03AM
i think drew is saying something about a service provider only being recognized in your local country - and there are providers or service options for your mobile phones to be functional even if you travel abroad...and yep...mobile phone do work up there - im just not sure about the bill thingy... (,")
PilotMar 17th 2008 8:56PM
I am an airline pilot and though a cel phone has not been identified as the sole cause of a crash, they do occasionally interfere with some of the airplanes systems. That interference at a critical phase of flight could prove catastrophic. Why take the chance? Turn your cel phones off, I do.
william lanyiMar 17th 2008 7:41AM
as in resturants and places where it interferes with other people,there should just be a blanket ban in confined places.[movie theaters,resturants,air planes]for the most part it's 99% people wanting to look busy and important to the rest of the world when really they are living around a 3 on a scale of 10. [mentally]
SplashMar 20th 2008 10:13PM
Cell phones do work, even at 25,000 feet.
poggyMay 13th 2008 8:59PM
They do not. Can you provide first hand proof?
Lisa123Mar 23rd 2008 10:44AM
I've accidentally left mine on before and when I noticed at about 43,000 feet, I did have service. Maybe it depends on where you are. I've been on the ground in Arizona had no service :)
angelMar 23rd 2008 12:30PM
You are all confusing CELL v/s SATELLITE - ie: CELL phones do not work on CRUISE SHIPS, however SATELLITE phones do. So go figure out what the difference is..
angelMar 23rd 2008 1:07PM
No takers ???? Splash/Lisa
take NOTE
Well - CELL phones do NOT WORK in AIRPLANES at high altitudes because there NO CELL towers up there, DUH
SATELLITE phones work ANYWHERE , SHIPBOARD
angelMar 23rd 2008 1:16PM
And CELL phones DO NOT interact with SAT. COMM......in the AIR or on SHIPs or in the DESERT or MOUNTIANS