It's the packets, stoopid

Masochist that I am, I've been watching CNBC's Kudlow & Cramer this evening, and have just seen a feature on the FCC's consideration of allowing broadband wireless services on airplanes, including an interview with FCC Chairman Michael Powell himself. The coverage inevitably also included the FCC's review of cellular usage on planes. During the backgrounder on the cellular issue, CNBC aired footage of Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy remarking that she wasn't sure she wanted to sit on a plane listening to a lot of other people's personal business. So, broadband access is now somehow different from voice services? Is this a different FCC from the one which has heard hours of testimony on VoIP from Jeff Pulver and others? Is this a different FCC from the one chaired by Michael Powell, who has waxed so eloquently about Skype in the recent past? Is it really possible that smart people can be so near the answer and still not get it at all?