June 13, 2005
Now You Can Use Your Cell Phone on a Plane
The Associated Press reports that LM Ericsson introduced a new base station Monday that would let air travelers use their mobile phones during flights, that would not interfere with the plane's electronic systems.
"The technology focuses on GSM, the most common mobile standard in Europe and much of the world. A base station on board the plane would transfer the cell phone signal to a satellite to connect the user's call.
Ericsson said the price of a base station would vary, but would be roughly $131,000 per plane. It expects to launch the service in 2006".
The service may be available, but implementing it is not a sure thing. Recently, US Justice Department, Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, Astronomers, Flight Attendants as well as simple travelers who want to keep the ban in place and preserve their peace and quiet, are opposing cell phone use in planes.
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