The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed new rules that would make it okay for airline passengers to make voice calls and use cellular data service above 10,000 feet, according to the Wall Street Journal. If implemented, airlines would have the freedom to allow fliers to leave the cell connection on their phone or iPad mini active while flying.

The proposal differs from a recent revision of flying rules by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which stated that passengers could use their electronic devices during taxing, takeoff and landing procedures. Under that rule change, customers were still prohibited from making or receiving calls, and were required to keep their electronic equipment in "airplane" mode.

However, the FCC's proposal, for which the agency will begin accepting public comment, would make it okay for customers to actually make calls and transmit data using cell signals or the plane's WiFi connection.

It's unclear how quickly airlines would adopt the change once implemented, if at all. The public is sharply divided on whether or not it would be preferable to let people make calls, given that some customers may be annoyed by loud conversations carried on by passengers in the seats surrounding them. The FAA conducted a survey that showed 51 percent of respondents had "negative reactions" to the idea of in-flight phone calls.

However, making data connections and allowing fliers to use their new iPad with a 4G LTE connection would be a welcome change. If you want to be able to take advantage of this rule change once it becomes official, head over to the PortableOne online store today to pick up a new iPad Air!