The real reason for the ban on portable electronic devices (the cell phone ban dates back to an FCC reg on the adverse effect of having an old-school cell phone at altitude where it could see many towers) is not to protect against interference, it is to protect lives in case of evacuation.
Are you sure about that? I mean honestly knowledgeably sure?
Here are relevant regulations governing use of cell phones and portable electronic devices:
14 CFR 91.21 Portable electronic devices.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may operate, nor may any operator or pilot in command of an aircraft allow the operation of, any portable electronic device on any of the following U.S.-registered civil aircraft:
(1) Aircraft operated by a holder of an air carrier operating certificate or an operating certificate; or
(2) Any other aircraft while it is operated under IFR.
(b) Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to—
(1) Portable voice recorders;
(2) Hearing aids;
(3) Heart pacemakers;
(4) Electric shavers; or
(5) Any other portable electronic device that the operator of the aircraft has determined will not cause interference with the navigation or communication system of the aircraft on which it is to be used.
(c) In the case of an aircraft operated by a holder of an air carrier operating certificate or an operating certificate, the determination required by paragraph (b)(5) of this section shall be made by that operator of the aircraft on which the particular device is to be used. In the case of other aircraft, the determination may be made by the pilot in command or other operator of the aircraft.
47 CFR 22.925 Prohibition on airborne operation of cellular telephones.
Cellular telephones installed in or carried aboard airplanes, balloons or any other type of aircraft must not be operated while such aircraft are airborne (not touching the ground). When any aircraft leaves the ground, all cellular telephones on board that aircraft must be turned off. The following notice must be posted on or near each cellular telephone installed in any aircraft:
“The use of cellular telephones while this aircraft is airborne is prohibited by FCC rules, and the violation of this rule could result in suspension of service and/or a fine. The use of cellular telephones while this aircraft is on the ground is subject to FAA regulations.”
The FAA has a blanket ban on PEDs and the FCC further restricts cell phone use while airborne. The FCC reg dates back to analog phones and interference when the phone could talk to many towers at the same time, and continues to this day for the same reason, though it has not been shown to be a factor in modern networks. The FCC has a few rules planes have to follow. Every plane you ride on has a FCC radio station license on board, and pilots that may communicate with foreign ATC carry restricted radiotelephone operator (RR) permits from the FCC.
I dont really care about the cell phone ban, and people that do cite the reason as everyone talking on phones. That may be a factor on and near the ground, but at cruise good luck getting a signal (you are at least 7 miles from a tower) and phones these days will drain their batteries looking for a tower and you'll have a near-dead phone by the time you are low enough to actually make a call. You'll also notice that the flight attendant reminds you that you can turn on your phone and make calls as soon as the wheels touch the ground upon landing. The FCC reg on this is not likely to change.
The blanket ban on PEDs may get relaxed, and I am in favor of that. However, I think we'll still see a ban from the time the aircraft closes its doors until it is airborne, and another one sometime before landing until wheels touch down. The goal there is to have things put away during takeoff and landing. The problem is if you let them use things during taxi it is not reasonable to expect them to follow the rules and put them away before takeoff.
The reasoning being evacuation is supported by the other requirements that baggage be stowed above you or completely under your seat during takeoff/landing, that seats are forward and tray tables stowed. This is to provide you with clear walkways to get in/out of rows, navigate the aisles and get to an exit ASAP. Anything that slows someone down is also slowing down everyone behind them. Count the doors next time you are on a plane, there really are not that many.
And lest you think evacuation is still not important, realize that is the primary reason you have a flight attendant. You will have at least 1 for every 50 people on board and they are there to get you out of a plane alive if an emergency occurs. Instructions such as how to brace, how to operate doors and the helpful reminder to leave your bags behind and get off the burning airplane.
If the ban is not relaxed or overturned, look for this to be the reason cited. It is supported by current practices, regulations, training and analysis of accidents.