While in theory this is possible, it's not probable by any stretch. Modern jets have shielded grounds that would prevent interference -- this is a gov't "better safe than sorry" approach. Modern electronics are also better at managing their EMF because of regulations. But, because engineers rarely use the words "always" or "never" since you can't account for every single failure mode a system may have (Loose connection, section left unshielded, electronic device not built to spec, etc) -- no one would stake their life on saying a laptop of cellphone would NEVER interfere with aircraft communications. It's also pretty costly and time consuming to re-validate all instrumentation and communications equipment to RFI/EMI (at least from my experience in the automotive sector, the cost-benefit might be better in the aero industry?) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phones_on_aircraft You'll have to dig through to read the cited material.