CWT - Technology

Technology

- In-flight cell phone use gets go-ahead in Europe
In-flight cell phone use gets go-ahead in Europe

The European Aviation Safety Authority recently announced it will allow the deployment of Global System for Mobile Technology (GSM) on airplanes, for the first time giving European passengers the ability to use their cell phones and palm devices in flight.

The technology, provided by OnAir, is expected to cost $0.50 USD for text messages, while international roaming charges will apply for all calls made. Airlines will begin testing the technology in several months, beginning with Air France-KLM flights on short-haul aircraft. TAP, bmi and Ryanair are also planning to test this new functionality.

In-flight cell phone use has sparked heated debate throughout the travel industry over the past several years, and it remains to be seen how the practice resonates with European travelers after it is implemented. As previously reported in CWT Traveler, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and Federal Aviation Administration have thus far declined to allow cell phone use on U.S. flights, though the issue will likely be revisited in the future.

Source: Market Watch