EU works to lift ban on cell phone use in flight.

CB Droege (CB) No summary

October 19, 2007 10:02 AM ET in News

Diagram of cellular use on planes

Ofcom

A cellular base station on a plane would allow cellular customers to yak in flight.

As long as there have been mobile phones, there has been an international ban on their usage on airplanes. Until now, there has been the worry that a roaming cell phone, trying to find it’s network, might interfere with the operation of the plane.

Currently the EU is working on a plan to install cellular base stations on airplanes, which would allow passengers to use their cell phones without the risk of interference.

No word from the FAA if similar plans are in the works for Airlines based in the US.

Incidentally: using your mobile to play ‘Snake’ on a plane is still not recommended.

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5 Comments:

  1. GHoosdum
    19 Oct '07, 10:08 am

    Oh man I hope this never happens in the US. It's bad enough that the kid in the seat behind me is wailing and using the tray table as a drum, while his mother looks on without action. I don't want to add the obnoxious guy in the seat next to me having a cell conversation as well!

  2. CB
    19 Oct '07, 10:09 am

    Etiquette manuals all across Europe will need to be releasing new editions... With a whole new chapter.

  3. GHoosdum
    19 Oct '07, 10:11 am

    :sai:

  4. Crypto
    20 Oct '07, 3:57 am

    Oh please no...:

    last month I was in Peru, enjoying the wonders of Machu Pichu and the amazing Inca workmanship when some pratt started bellowing in to his mobile phone. Is nowhere sacred any more?

  5. Qeldroma
    20 Oct '07, 2:15 pm

    I think you'd be amazed- many airlines and OEMs are considering- even pushing- complete connectivity: Phone, internet, video feeds- the works. That's the new edge they are shooting for- having more goodies than the next guy. Imagine a video conference or a TF2 fragfest over the Pacific or the poles.

    The problem used to be (and to a large degree- still is) radio interference and bandwidth. However, policies are getting more lax as technology improves and about the only time there will be restrictions is on takeoffs and landings.

    In all honesty- some of these flights are 17 hours non-stop (like Mumbai to JFK). Sometimes with little left to do but get kinks in your spine, it may help the time go by. However, adoption in all classes is still a ways off.

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