Flying cell phones interfere with radio telescopes

FCC and FAA regulators have been considering re-allowing cell phone use on commercial airline flights. During the 9-11 terroist attacks, passengers with cellphones were able to communicate to the ground, and in light of this, cellphones on planes become an important safety tool. But there's a problem. Cellphones that broadcast at high altitutes interfere with sensitive radio telescopes on the ground. These telescopes are used to search for extra-terrestrial life and perform other research. This problem, caused by too much technology, can be solved by more technology. The strength of the broadcast signal of a cellphone is controlled automatically based on the location of the nearest cell tower. A device can be installed on commercial planes that can fool a cellphone to trim down its signal as if there is a nearby tower, keeping signals from bugging the radio telescopes. Link.