September 22, 2005
Airlines trial technology to allow mobile calls at 30,000ft
Two airlines are to introduce technology into their aeroplanes that allows passengers to make in-flight calls, without interfering with the aircraft's systems, reports The Guardian.
"BMI and TAP Portugal are planning to trial the service on short-haul European routes next year, enabling business travellers to stay in touch at 30,000 feet.
Using a mobile phone on board a plane is banned by airlines because of fears that the signal from a handset will interfere with the aircraft's systems as it attempts to connect with phone masts on the ground. New technology developed by Geneva-based OnAir, however, uses a small transmitter placed within the aircraft to send and receive calls and then connects them to the terrestrial phone network via satellite.
Although regulatory approval is required for the technology, its creators believe that because mobile phones will connect with a transmitter on board the plane, they will operate at a lower signal strength than they would if trying to find a far away mast. As a result, OnAir believes its technology will not interfere with the aircraft's systems, although phones will still have to be switched off during takeoff and landing."
Recent related article: - Mobile phone use on aircraft 'is accident risk'
The Permanent Link to this page is: http://www.textually.org/textually/archives/2005/09/009991.htm
