Something unusual is happening at the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC). At a meeting earlier this afternoon, the
commission—led by Obama-appointed chairman Tom Wheeler—voted to
review the FCC ban on using cell phones on airplanes. This is
the first step to repeal, which Wheeler supports.  The move has
caused bipartisan consternation on Capitol Hill. Representative
Bill Shuster (R–PA) has denounced the move, arguing, “For those
few hours in the air with 150 other people, it’s just common
sense that we all keep our personal lives to ourselves and stay
off the phone.” Along with others, such as Senator Lamar
Alexander (R–TN), Shuster plans to introduce legislation to
enshrine the cell phone ban into law. And, disturbingly,
Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has said his own agency
may move ahead with its own regulation.  Wheeler is right to
seek an end to this needless rule. No one seriously argues
anymore that wireless phones threaten flight safety. Rather, the
opposition is based on fears that the re