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EC gives green light to inflight mobile use

The European Commission (EC) has approved the introduction of rules and conditions to pave the way for mobile phone use onboard aircraft.

It was announced that services will be made available allowing business travellers and consumers to make and receive calls and messages safely with their own mobile phones.

EU telecoms commissioner Viviane Reding welcomed the development but said it was important that operators offer reasonable prices for services and advised that conditions be put in place to stop phone users disturbing other passengers.

"In-flight mobile phone services can be a very interesting new service especially for those business travellers who need to be ready to communicate wherever they are, wherever they go," she said. "However, if consumers receive shock phone bills, the service will not take-off.

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

The EC said it had approved plans for inflight mobile use in response to demand from passengers and indicated that some telecoms operators and airlines could be ready to launch services some time this year.

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