Ofcom gives green light to in-flight mobile use

Air passengers could be able to use their mobile phones onboard aircraft within months following a ruling by communications watchdog Ofcom.

The office confirmed an agreement to license the equipment needed to enable mobile use on planes and permits to use this equipment will be issued to UK aircraft operators on request.

This is the latest development in the mobile travel revolution that has seen the launch of platforms and facilities such as Just the Flight Mobile.

Ofcom warned that travellers should be aware of the possibility of "unexpectedly high bills" for mobile use onboard aircraft.

A statement from the watchdog said: "Ofcom will be talking to all concerned parties to understand what steps can be taken to ensure consumers understand the costs of making calls from on board an aircraft. Ofcom will monitor this situation closely."

Mobile use during flights had previously been banned as signals interfered with navigation equipment. However, the recent invention of small onboard telephone masts appears to have solved this problem.

Systems enabling the use of phones on planes are still awaiting approval by EU regulators and the UK's Civil Aviation Authority.

Posted by Penny, 31 July 2008 12:34

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