The news that ACMA has given the green light to airlines to allow mobile phone usage during flights was enough to have me reaching for the ear plugs.

The carriers are now free to investigate whether or not they want to allow passengers to make and receive calls while cruising above the clouds. Let's hope they reach the right conclusion.

But as well as causing much angst about how soon we'll be surrounded by people shouting sweet nothings to loved ones on the ground, it also served to remind me of one of the more annoying aspects of current in-flight restrictions. Why on earth do I have to turn by e-book reader off during take-off and landing?

The logic has always been that electronic devices can interfere with an aircraft's navigation and operational systems. But how on earth could an e-reader cause such a problem. The little thing only draws a minute amount of current each time an electronic page is turned. Other than that, it just sits there quietly displaying its e-ink pages.

If an aircraft can be affected by such a device, are we really sure we want to be sitting on it in the first place?

Come on ACMA. Rather than moving to shatter one of the last vestiges of calm and phone-free silence that exist, why not instead turn your attention to e-books.

Thousands of readers will thank you for it.