Airlines get go-ahead for mobile phones
News brought to you by Skint Tariffs, providers of price comparison for cheap international callsAirlines may soon be able to allow passengers to use mobile phones while on board, after Ofcom confirmed it would allow use on UK-registered aircraft.
The communications regulator said that its decision was subject to approval from the Civil Aviation Authority and the European Aviation Safety Agency.
Should this be granted, Ofcom said that it would then be up to individual carriers to implement on the basis of customer demand.
The regulator said, however, that concerns had been raised during the consultation regarding the tariffs that may be applied to calls made while in flight.
"Ofcom is concerned about this issue as tariffs may well be high relative to other mobile communication services and there is a danger that consumers will receive unexpectedly high bills," a statement said, adding that the body will investigate ways of making clear the cost of such calls.
Mobile phones would need to be switched off during take-off and landing, if the system is implemented. Once above 3,000 feet handsets can be connected to an on-board base station, Ofcom said.
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