Cell phones and airplanes

Ever been in a plane and heard them order you to turn off your cell phones and other portable electronic devices? They always say it is because there is a possibility that the signals sent from such a device could interfere with the plane's instrumentation or electronic systems.

True or false?

I say false. Here's why:

Mythbusters did research on this one. From the Discovery channel website, the myth was busted. Seems the shielding in a plane is far superior to what tiny batteries - even in 100+ phones at the same time - can produce in terms of volume of interference.

Now, Mythbusters certainly cannot claim to be the end-all-be-all in the scientific community, but they do a pretty thorough job of research, and they have to get it right before airing due to potential liability issues. They also bring up the first of the potential reasons (which are really alternate motives) I think cell use is banned in planes:

Cell tower usage.
The Discovery channel website states that if you are 10,000 feet in the air, and use a cell phone, the signal might bounce off of many towers, and clutter the towers. This seems plausible.

Salesmanship.
Airlines run on the tightest of margins. Being able to sell you a high-margin ancillary product can help the airline boost profits. They can't do that if your head is firmly rooted in a text message or your ears have buds playing the latest song.

Pretense of safety. 
The TSA doesn't work - but because they are there, many people have an illusion of additional safety. Same thing with the cell phone order in a plane. Giving the sheep an illusion of safety. Just like the phony safety talks at the beginning of the flight.

Safety talks.
Speaking of safety talks, those are probably mandated by the government, an insurance company policy, or some lawyer. If there is a crash, chances are, you won't survive. But if you do, and then get hurt because you didn't "follow directions," then the airline's liability is negated. Impossible to give you such a talk if you are engrossed in an electronic device.

What say you?


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