Cell Phone Blocking in Theaters

Dear Sir:

We the undersigned understand that the National Association of Theater Owners wants the Federal Communications Commission to allow the blocking of cell phone signals in theaters.

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

If you, Mr. Fithian, think this move will bring more people into cinemas you are sadly mistaken as we the understand will likely curtail or eliminate our visits to the theater if your misguided attempt to curtail our ability to communicate with others in a time of emergency is eliminated.

While we recognize that a theater is private property and the undersigned clearly respect your private property rights, we the undersigned will chose to show the silliness of your attempt by simply refusing to go to the theater.

The theater has the option to remove patrons who talk to each other doing a movie and has had that option for years. We suggest you use that option to remove patrons who abuse their cell phones in a similar manner.

Don't punish the considerate move goer, punish the inconsiderate patron.