Yes, planes can block cell signal.
Why Cell Signals are Weak on Planes
Several factors contribute to the difficulty in getting a reliable cell signal on an airplane. These include:
- Cell Tower Orientation: Cell towers are designed to project signals outwards, not upwards. This means the signal strength is weaker at the altitudes where planes fly.
- Plane Speed: A plane travels at speeds of 500+ mph, causing a cell signal to connect and disconnect rapidly as the device moves from one cell tower's range to another. This constant switching makes maintaining a stable connection challenging.
- Metal Body of the Plane: As cited in the provided reference, the plane has a lot of metal in it so that metal blocks the signal as well. This creates a barrier that significantly weakens incoming and outgoing cell signals.
