Movie Theater Owners Want Cell Phones Blocked

Movie theater owners are aggressively trying to lure movie-goers back into cinemas by petitioning the FCC to allow blocking cell phone service in theaters.

Spearheaded by the National Association of Theater Owners (NATO), John Fithian President of NATO said theater owners "have to block rude behavior" to encourage customers to come back who have stayed home to avoid the aggravation of mobile distractions.

But not everyone is in favor of the move. The Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA), a Washington-based cell phone lobby group, is protesting the action saying it would fight any move to block cell phone signals. "We're opposed to the use of any blocking technology, because it interferes with people's ability to use a wireless device in an emergency situation," CTIA spokesman Joseph Farren said.

Most theaters already have no cell phone policies and show announcements before movies to remind patrons to silence or turn off their devices. Some cinemas even ask customers to check their phones at the door. Still for some owners, this petition is the only way to ensure a ring-free and enjoyable movie-going experience.