UPDATED: Thurdsday, Dec. 19, 12:01 p.m.

The Federal Communications Commission said last week they will seek public comment and consider lifting the ban on in-flight cell phone use. Other government officials and politicians have said they want a say as well.

Now, the folks behind the business behind the debate are starting to speak up.

Wednesday, Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson sent a memo to the company’s 80,000 employees saying that no matter what the government decides, the airline will not allow in-flight phone calls.

“Our customer research and direct feedback tell us that our frequent flyers believe voice calls in the cabin would be a disruption to the travel experience,” Anderson said in the memo.

“In fact, a clear majority of customers who responded to a 2012 survey said they felt the ability to make voice calls onboard would detract from – not enhance – their experience. Delta employees, particularly our in-flight crews, have told us definitively that they are not in favor of voice calls onboard.”

Anderson said the company has been at the forefront of technology, as the first airline to ask for permission when the FAA voted to allow electronic device use under 10,000 feet.

He said this is strictly about talking on the phone on planes.

“Similarly, if the FCC lifts its ban on cellular use in flight, Delta will move quickly to enable customers to use text, email and other silent data transmission services gate to gate,” Anderson said.

The memo sparked a flood of other U.S. airlines to be proactive and take a clear stance on what they intend to do, regardless of any government decision. Both United and JetBlue made it clear they won't allow in-flight calls.

“We’re evaluating the views of our customers and crew members on inflight calling, and at this time we don’t intend to permit use of cellphones," said an United Airlines spokesman via email.

JetBlue reiterated a statement they made over the weekend, saying, ”Weve heard from many customers and the majority have shared that they do not want voice or video calls allowed onboard. Our inflight team will enforce this as they would enforce any other onboard policy.”

American Airlines said in a statement that they are still evaluating what their customers want and will act if and when the FCC or DOT make a ruling.

Southwest CEO Gary Kelly told a gathering at the Wings Club last week that 60 percent of his customers are against in-flight calls and that he is personally against them as well.

This month, the company became the first carrier to enable in-flight iMessage use for iPhones for $2 per day, a further sign they are committed to silent communications onboard.

A Virgin America spokesman said Thursday that the company is also currently against the use of in-flight calls.

"Since we rolled out fleetwide WiFi in 2009, we have asked that guests refrain from using VOIP (voice-over-internet-protocol calls) while in-flight, in order to maintain a restful and relaxing cabin environment and as a courtesy to fellow guests.  We’ve received feedback from our guests that VOIP would disrupt the flight experience,"  Virgin America spokesman Madhu Unnikrishnan said.

"Although we will review any proposed rule changes in this area, we remain committed to maintaining a quiet and restful cabin environment."

The announcement comes as politicians have announced legislation to both lift the in-flight call ban and to support the silent communication strategy allowing texts and emails but no calls.

The Delta decision falls in line with public sentiment on the issue.

A Quinnipiac University poll released last week said 52 percent of respondents are against phone calls on planes to just 39 percent for in-flight calls.