MOBILE PHONES ON AIRCRAFT

01/05

It looks like we will soon have the technology to use our mobile phones on aircraft.

American Airlines did a recent trial using a ‘picocell’ on a 2 hour flight, where passengers were encouraged to use their mobiles. The picocell is a miniature receiver which does not interfere with the aircraft’s electronic equipment, and it also doesn’t need contact with land, so it can be used over the sea.

However, the it was pointed out that while we are concentrating on the technology, we need to look at the other passengers. Do passengers trying to relax on the journey really want a businessman chatting away on his phone?