In-flight mobile phone use gets EC go-ahead

15 April, 2008:

The European Commission has introduced technical and licensing requirements for in-flight mobiles services. With the decision, nearly 90 percent of European air passengers can use phones during flights.

The commercial systems currently envisaged for airlines are focusing on MCA services for Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) phones operating in the 1800MHz frequency bands, which over 90 percent of air passengers are estimated to carry during travel. The introduction of the measures by the EC would allow local regulators to hand out licenses to make services possible.

The EC feels that in-flight mobile phone services could be helpful to business travelers who need to be ready to communicate wherever they are. However, in terms of billing, customers may have to shell out extra charges.

Emirates Airlines has recently authorized in-flight mobile phone calls on its commercial flights, after the introduction of the AeroMobile system, a joint
venture between Telenor and ARINC.

Meanwhile, it is yet to be determined whether all airline companies and passengers are open to the idea. One airline company, Scandinavian Airlines, feel that passengers prefer not to use mobiles on planes.