Theater owners want cell phones blocked

UPI ^ | Dec. 17, 2005 | UPI

[Kjobs]

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Dec. 17 (UPI) -- The National Association of Theater Owners wants the Federal Communications Commission to allow the blocking of cell phone signals in theaters.

John Fithian, the president of the trade organization, told the Los Angeles Times theater owners "have to block rude behavior" as the industry tries to come up with ways to bring people back to the cinemas.

Fithian said his group would petition the FCC for permission to block cell phone signals within movie theaters.

Some theaters already have no cell phone policies and ask moviegoers to check their phones at the door, Fithian said.

The Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association -- a Washington-based cell phone lobby that is also known as CTIA-the Wireless Association -- said it would fight any move to block cell phone signals.

[em2vn]

If you can't, don't go to the movies.

[Modok]

It still bothers me, Please do not post anymore.

[twinzmommy]

Thank you -- I was about to ask the same question.

*boggles*

Blocking isn't the answer. And I too will not go to a theater that uses it.

[Seamoth]

I look forward to the development of pocket-sized, affordable cellphone jammers. I'll buy one and take it with me everywhere. Think of the peace and quiet at bars and restaurants, theaters, golf courses, cars, and office meetings.

Agreed! These people in the ER will die quite peaceful deaths when the surgeon you're jamming never gets his page.

[Glenn]

The 24-7 gotta-be-wired lifestyle is a choice. What, you don't sleep 6-7 hours at a time?

I'm on call 24x7 as a requirement of employment. I'd love to sleep through the night every night, but I cannot. A lot of you will see a simple solution -- change jobs!

It's Freeper Myopia run rampant.

[CommandoFrank]

It's 2006. I cannot be out of touch with the rest of the world for 2.5 hours.

That's funny, It's 2006 and I have a hard time being in touch with the rest of the world for 2.5 hours...

[Glenn]

If you can't, don't go to the movies.

Any other tidbits you'd like to share?

[CindyDawg]

We need more drive in movies. Talk about multi-tasking potential:')

[xrp]

They don't have the nerve to ask disruptive people to leave, so they want the government to Do Something.

Re-read the article. The private businesses are PREVENTED from doing anything about it themselves due the to FCC. It is currently illegal to buy or use a cell phone signal jammer in the United States.

[Dog Gone]

Your analogy fails. It's all about expectations and venue.

Nobody could seriously think that you should have the right to play the tamborine and talk to the person next to you with a bullhorn during the showing of a movie at a theater.

Cellphones and BlackBerrys are less annoying than that, but it's a legitimate issue for discussion.

You, on the other hand, have no expectation that you will enjoy every post made at this forum.

[ßuddaßudd]

LOL

[xrp]

Block my BlackBerry when it is in vibrate mode and there will be discussions. It's 2006. I cannot be out of touch with the rest of the world for 2.5 hours.

Don't go to the movie theater then. Duh.

[jwpjr]

Absolutely! For a while I could separate an actor's talent from his/her political views, but lately it's gotten so blatant and 'in your face' that I simply refuse to patronize their performances.

Movie-making is supposed to be a money-making business. If enough of us deprive them of our hard-earned money they will get the message or be out of business.

That's the beauty of life in America.

[Looking4Truth]

Can't people control themselves and be polite for 2 measly hours anymore?

Are you kidding? Like it's 2006 man!

We've got to have the damn DVD players in the freakin' car, we can't wait more than 30 seconds at the drive thru for a crappy meal and we sure can't bother to start a relationship before 'hooking up'.

It's 2006 man!

No offense to you Glenn, just a general observation about society.

[Modok]

:)

[CindyDawg]

It's not really the kids here. It's the parents.

[xrp]

Why do they need permission to block (electronically jam) cellphone calls?

It is currently illegal to jam signals in the United States.

[xrp]

We don't need the government stepping in, but it sure would be nice if people learned some manners.

Did you read the article? The theaters want government to step OUT of the way, not IN the way. The privately owned businesses are prohibited by government from jamming the signals.

[ASA Vet]

These people in the ER will die quite peaceful deaths when the surgeon you're jamming never gets his page.

in the before cell phone days Doctors told their answering service where they would be, and the phone number of the restaurant, theater, club etc.

[Seamoth]

They'd probably be the very first to complain if the FreeRepublic crashed on Friday night and John Robinson waited until the next business day to fix it.