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 30 August 2008 18:08 BST

Mobile phones allowed on European flights after new ruling

Monday, 07 Apr 2008 14:45
Passengers in European airspace can use mobile phones onboard planes
Airline passengers in European airspace will be permitted to use their mobile phones onboard planes after a new ruling from the European Commission.

After in-flight mobile use was tested in French and Australian airspace following a clamour for its introduction from both passengers and the aviation industry, the commission has announced plans to allow the usage of mobile phones above an altitude of 3,000 metres.

The commission's decision will result in a harmonising of technical requirements for safe in-flight mobile usage and could see some airlines introducing services in 2008.

"Pan-European telecom services, such as in-flight mobile telephony, need a regulatory 'one-stop shop' to operate throughout Europe and this is why the commission has acted today," explained Viviane Redding, the European Union's (EU) telecoms commissioner.

"One regulatory decision for all European airspace was required for this new service to come into being."

As such, aircraft registered in one European country need not apply for licensing to offer mobile communication services when flying over another nation.

Mobile communication services on aircraft (MCA) will operate through a cellular network which is connected to terrestrial networks via satellite, which will enable airlines to monitor transmission powers and ensure that mobile phones can be used without hampering the safe operation of aircraft.

Ms Redding said MCA had the potential to be a "very interesting new service" for aircraft passengers but called on service providers to be "transparent and innovative in their price offerings".

"If consumers receive shock phone bills, the service will not take off," she explained.

"I also call on airlines and operators to create the right conditions onboard aircraft to ensure that those who want to use in-flight communication services do not disturb other passengers."End of story


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