Germany greenlights mobile phones on planes

The German Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Housing will next year lift the ban on the use of mobile phones on commercial flights. The German Aerospace Centre says that mobile phone signals do not interfere with onboard electronics. Several European airlines are also considering the removal of the in-flight ban on GSM phones.

Last year, the US Federal Communications Commission proposed lifting the ban on the use of GPRS, EDGE and 3G phones onboard. Initially, only the 1800 MHz variants would be allowed to use. It means you no longer have to switch off your phone, but full GSM access at 35,000 feet isn't technically feasible without some help.

Ericsson recently announced its system GSM on Aircraft, an airborne version of the world's most sold radio base station in the RBS 2000 family, the RBS 2708. Its functionality matches terrestrial systems, according to the company. Airbus says it intends to equip its short and medium-range aircraft in the A320 series with mobile phone technology.

(via The Register)

Regine | 4:13 PM | Cell Phones while driving/flying/sailing |
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