Cellphone use on planes worries national security officials

WASHINGTON -- Allowing airline passengers to use cellphones during flights could help potential hijackers coordinate an attack or trigger a bomb smuggled on board, US security officials have told regulators.

The US Justice Department, Department of Homeland Security, and FBI outlined Thursday the potential dangers associated with allowing cellphone use during plane flights, as the Federal Communications Commission has proposed if safety issues can be resolved.

The Federal Aviation Administration would also have to approve any rule change.

Currently, cellphones and other communication devices must be switched off at takeoff, landing, and for the duration of commercial flights because they could potentially interfere with the operation of the plane.

While some have told the FCC they worry about an increase in loud, irritating chatter on flights, law enforcement officials were focused on preventing a possible attack. ''The uniqueness of service to and from an aircraft in flight presents the possibility that terrorists and other criminals could use air-to-ground communications systems to coordinate an attack," they told the FCC.

During the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, passengers and crew on the hijacked planes used cellphones, as well as phones embedded in the seats, to call for help and talk to loved ones.

If the cellphone ban were lifted, law enforcement authorities worry an attacker could use the device to coordinate with accomplices on the ground, on another flight, or seated elsewhere on the same plane.

If wireless phones are to be allowed in-flight, the law enforcement agencies urged that users be required to register their location on a plane before placing a call and that officials have fast access to call identification data.

''There is a short window of opportunity in which action can be taken to thwart a suicidal terrorist hijacking or remedy other crisis situations on board an aircraft," the agencies said.