Some argue it’s a matter of freedom, others believe it’s a matter of consumer choice.

Given the option, would you prefer the ability to use your mobile device on a plane to make a call in-flight? This is the question the FCC (News - Alert) has opened up for debate with its recent decision to consider overturning its ban on in-flight calls. The telecommunications news space is buzzing with coverage on this topic and airlines are already weighing in with their opinions.

Delta was perhaps the first, making a broad announcement to staff that it would not allow cellular or other calls relying on a VoIP switch on any Delta flights. The airline did say it would move quickly to enable customers to email, text and use other silent communication services gate to gate. But if you need to make a live call mid-flight – you may have to check into another carrier.

JetBlue plans to enforce a similar policy, including bans on making calling via its in-flight WiFi (News - Alert) service. While the VoIP switch seems like the perfect tool to enable the completion of calls and JetBlue’s original announcement was that it wouldn’t police travelers, a new announcement shows the airline has no intention of allowing live calls.

In its statement, the FCC has said that it may leave the decision up to the airlines. It appears Delta and JetBlue want staff and the public to know right away that it has no intentions of launching a VoIP switch or allowing travelers to leverage their preferred networks to complete calls while the plane is moving. Delta claims the majority of its customers don’t want calls allowed based on 2012 survey. JetBlue heard from a good majority of theirs when it gave hope to potential calls and reversed its position based on this feedback.

So why the big announcements when in-flight calls have been banned for the last 22 years? Basically, we already know that cellular phones won’t make the plane crash and a number of travelers are in the air for business. We rely on our mobile devices consistently and being able to complete a few things while we have to get from one destination to another could make efficient use of our time. It sounds like consumer demand.

But the reality is the FCC ban is still in place. The latest decision by the agency really just opens the floor for consumers to share their opinions over the next 12 months. Even if the FCC reverses its ban, the Department of Transportation has announced it will put its own in place. The question is whether this move is to control annoying behavior or for the safety of travelers?

For consumers seeking to share their opinion with the FCC, should this be a matter of federal regulation or competition in the marketplace?