Why can't electronic devices be used on planes?

Question

Why can't we use cell phones, cordless mouse, GPS etc.. With what does it interact? Can a laptop be used on board, I have seen people with them but I don't understand why can that be used and not a cell phone? What electronic devices can be used?

Answer 1

lol. electronic devices CAN be used on a plane.

however, any electronics that transmit signals(internet, phone) do interfere with the pilots communications

Answer 2

because all of that stuff has wireless capability and wireless capability can mess the airplaine pilot's interaction to the other station...for example if there's tornado warning the station can warn the pilot and if there's too much wireless capability gadget using around the station can't interact to the pilot.......wireless capability also called WLAN....

Answer 3

Electronic devices which put out signals can interfere with the plane's avionics. As long as it isn't putting out a signal (like Bluetooth, a cell signal or wi-fi), it's okay.

Answer 4

The reason you can use laptops is because they cant offer you onw on bored that you can pay to use. On planes they can do that with phones. Its all about money.

Answer 5

Because it interferes with cabin crew

Answer 6

you can't use only cell phones and gps's or any thing that has connection out of the plane because it will interfere with the plane and then the plane will come crashing down to earth. the reason for this to occur is that it interferes with the connection with the plane and all of the new cell phones and gps's being created every day they couldn't do that cause they couldn't make a connection for all of them. That's why on some planes they have phones that you can use because they are programed to use on planes and they get more money from it cause you have to pay for it.

Answer 7

They can be - when the flight crew says you can.

BTW, you really wouldn't want to use a cell phone, even if it was permitted.  They work through land based towers, and are line of sight.  You could easily get hit with charges from your carrier by not being on their towers.  And at altitude, you could hit any tower (with your radio signal) in line of sight.