The new head of the Federal Communication Commission [USA] is considering a move to let passengers make cell phone calls on airplanes — a possibility that many air travelers would see as the end of peace and quiet on flights.

“Modern technologies can deliver mobile services in the air safely and reliably, and the time is right to review our outdated and restrictive rules,” FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said in a statement.

“I look forward to working closely with my colleagues, the FAA, and the airline industry on this review of new mobile opportunities for consumers.”

Wheeler slated a vote on a notice of proposed rule-making on the issue for the FCC’s December 12 open meeting.

The technology allowing cell phone calls while in flight has existed for years, but has been staunchly resisted by flight attendants and some airlines who fear passengers would think of in-air calls as a bug rather than a feature.

A similar proposal in 2004 prompted a flurry of pushback and the proposal was soon dropped. The FCC rule would simply allow the use of phones on planes and wouldn’t require airlines to permit it.

The Federal Aviation Administration earlier this month allowed the use of electronic devices such as Kindles or iPads from gate-to-gate on airplanes, but that decision didn’t include permission to make voice calls on cell phones.