In-flight mobile use a step closer

7 April 2008 12:00am

The European Commission has paved the way for in-flight mobile phone use across Europe.

The move comes less than three weeks after UK telecoms regulator Ofcom announced it will allow airlines to offer mobile phone connections on board aircraft.

Such services cannot begin without co-ordinated standards across Europe.

So the Commission has introduced rules harmonising the conditions for a new era of communications.

"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," said EU Telecoms Commissioner Viviane Reding.

"Now we expect operators to be transparent about their prices. In-flight mobile phone services can be a very interesting new service, especially for business travellers needing to communicate wherever they are. However, if consumers receive shock phone bills, the service will not take off."

The Commissioner urged airlines and phone operators to "create the right conditions" on board aircraft to ensure that those using mobile phones in-flight do not disturb other passengers.

The measures announced harmonise technical and licensing requirements for the use of mobile phones on aircraft.

Passengers' phones will be linked to an on-board network connected to the ground via satellite.

But the system will prevent phones connecting directly to mobile networks on the ground, with the pilots able to switch off the system if necessary for safety or other reasons.

© The Press Association