Planes may stay call-free as FCC moves to keep in-flight ban

WASHINGTON: US Federal Communications Commission chairman Ajit Pai wants to scrap a move to allow mobilephone calls on flights, suspending a proposal that drew scornful comments from thousands of passengers aghast at sharing space with chattering seatmates.

Pai asked his fellow commissioner son Monday to join him in terminating the proceeding begun in 2013. One of the other three commissioners had previously voted with Pai against allowing calls, suggesting the measure will pass and end a debate that’s simmered for years.