Press Release
For Immediate Release
14 July 2005
ACTE President Testifies Before House Subcommittee on Aviation
Alexandria, VA -- Alexandria, Va. (July 14)- Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) President Greeley Koch testified before the Aviation Subcommittee for the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure today in favor of relaxed regulations regarding cell phone use and text messaging on commercial airliners.
Fifty-three percent of respondents to an association poll indicated that business travelers would be more productive if they had the option of using their cell phones while in flight. An overwhelming 92 percent supported a move allowing text messaging to Blackberry-type devices. Yet the association's testimony came with a caveat. ACTE also recommended that headset use be strictly enforced and that cell phones be set for silent ringing (vibrating).
"There are many diverse opinions regarding the use of cell phones on planes," said Koch. "But this is strictly a matter of choice. If business travelers can make better use of their time through cell phone access, they should have that option."
In response to the claim that airlines will reverberate with the endless musical tones of cell phones, or worse, incessant loud business conversations, Koch claims that business travelers are unlikely to make pointless social calls, and that headset technology is likely to improve with better sound reproduction and noise-canceling microphones.
"Look at the difference in cell phones today from those that were available two years ago," said Koch. "The more sophisticated models are multifunctional computers with much better reception. I believe noise-canceling technology for cell phones and headsets will continue to evolve as well, especially if there is a market for it." Noise canceling communications technology is already available to the recreation market.
ACTE's president added that a new protocol for considerate cell phone use would have to be introduced the public, backed by the occasional reminder. "Re-educating the public as to polite cell phone use could be accomplished with a card in the seat back or in the in-flight magazine. It wouldn't be a bad idea for restaurants or other public places either," said Koch.
About ACTE
The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) is a not for profit association established by business travel managers in 1988 to provide meaningful education and networking opportunities. ACTE recognizes the interdependence between corporate travel purchasers and corporate travel suppliers and accords both sectors equal membership. ACTE's membership spans all sectors of business travel, from corporate buyers to agencies to suppliers. ACTE currently serves more than 2,500 executives in over 30 countries.
View President Greeley Koch’s Testimony here.
For more information, contact:
Debbie Flynn
CEO
Brighter Group
The Pod, London's Vertical Gateway
Bridges Wharf, Battersea
London SW11 3BE England
T: 020 7326 9880
F: 020 7326 9890
E: [email protected]
W: www.brightergroup.com