Call for In-Flight Communications Monitoring Amid Terrorist Concerns

Strategic Insights -

US federal law enforcement officers are seeking permission to monitor in-flight communications to mitigate potential terrorist threats. The concerns follow the London bomb attacks in July 2005, with worries that terrorists could use broadband services or air-to-ground cellular technology to launch attacks. The US Justice Department has called for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to enable law enforcement officers to monitor in-flight communications and has requested the ability to terminate or redirect suspicious calls.

Key Takeaways:

  • A congressional subcommittee was informed that terrorist attacks could be launched from a broadband service or air-to-ground cell, highlighting the need for in-flight communications monitoring.
  • The US Justice Department emphasized the need to reduce risks to public safety and national security if the in-flight ban on mobile devices is lifted.
  • The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been requested to enable law enforcement officers to monitor in-flight communications and terminate or redirect suspicious calls.
  • The FCC started reviewing the 1991 ban on in-flight mobile phones in 2004 due to increasing demand for wireless communication and the development of new technologies.
  • Broadband services are not yet offered by US domestic airlines, but United Airlines is testing a Wi-Fi service, and some foreign carriers offer broadband communications.
  • The US Justice Department is pushing for measures to ensure public safety and national security in the context of in-flight communications.

Statistics:

  • The July 2005 London bomb attacks triggered concerns about in-flight communications monitoring.
  • The US Justice Department emphasized the need to reduce risks to public safety and national security.
  • The FCC has been asked to enable law enforcement officers to monitor in-flight communications.
  • The broadband service or air-to-ground cell technology could be used to launch terrorist attacks, according to the congressional subcommittee.
  • United Airlines is testing a Wi-Fi service, and some foreign carriers offer broadband communications.
  • The FCC started reviewing the 1991 ban on in-flight mobile phones in 2004.

Sources:

  • Telecomworldwire, 15 July 2005 - Call for in-flight communications to be monitored
  • M2 Communications Ltd.