You know the pre-takeoff drill. Fasten your seat belts. Locate the nearest exits. Turn off all portable electronic devices and cell phones. That's not going to change any time soon. And for that, you can thank the Federal Communications Commission.

The FCC has decided to keep its ban on cell phone use in the skies because it just doesn't know enough about how those calls would affect cell phone traffic on the ground. The Federal Aviation Administration also bans the use of cell phones and electronic devices while planes are airborne because they might interfere with the plane's navigation and communications systems.

Those government restrictions have kept the skies mercifully free of cell phone chatter.

The FCC decision two and a half years ago to consider lifting the ban provoked a furious debate. More than 8,000 people sent comments to the FCC. Many begged the FCC: Please don't subject us to this.

Some people pointed out that airplanes had substantial background noise, such as the roar of engines, so people on their phones would talk even louder than they normally do. Others hinted darkly at the potential for ''air rage'' and ''violent conflict between passengers.'' Others insisted that they have an inherent right to carry on conversations wherever they please - behind the wheel, on buses and trains, in restaurants, in movie theaters and on airplanes.

The FCC said none of the emotional arguments on either side swayed commissioners. It will keep the ban because it doesn't have enough information on how cell phone calls from 5 miles up would affect cell towers on the ground. Those calls could tie up circuits in many cell towers at once, perhaps leading to worse service.

Whatever the reason, this is a small victory in the cell phone wars. For at least a little while longer, the skies will remain a refuge from the can-you-hear-me-now? crowd.