Despite objections from mushers, Iditarod will allow phones for 2017 race - Anchorage, AK 
Despite objections from mushers, Iditarod will allow phones for 2017 race
Iditarod officials decided Friday to retain a new rule allowing racers on the trail to use cell and satellite phones, rejecting a contingent of mushers who wanted to return to the communication blackouts of the recent past.
The Iditarod Trial Committee Board of Directors met Friday to review its 2017 race rules, including the new two-way communication rule, which it ultimately decided to keep.
The Iditarod board first approved the new rule in May, reversing the race's long-standing, outright ban on two-way communication devices, including cellphones, satellite phones and any electronics that can connect to wireless internet.
Board President Andy Baker, from Kotzebue, said safety concerns during the 2016 Iditarod prompted officials to initially create the new rule. He said that allowing the electronics would provide for a safer race next year.