Ofcom has said that it will now allow airlines to use radio
spectrum to relay calls from planes to mobile networks using
specialised on-board equipment. Phone users will connect to the
equipment on the plane which will then connect to their own
networks.
The regulator, though, has said that it is not in control of the
likely prices to be charged and that these could prove a shock for
users.
"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," said
the regulator. "Ofcom will monitor this situation closely."
No systems will be introduced unless they have been approved by
air safety bodies the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the
European Aviation Safety Agency.
"[They] are responsible for aircraft safety and their
requirements must be satisfied before [mobile] services can be
introduced. Ofcom’s authorisation of spectrum use does not create
any presumption that [mobile] services will or should be permitted
by the aviation safety authorities," said Ofcom in a statement.
Air passengers have long been told that use of their mobile
phones will interfere with the operation of the aircraft, but Ofcom
said that new systems now exist which allow for the safe operation
of phones.
Phone use will only be allowed over heights of 3,000 metres and
when explicit permission has been given by pilots and cabin
crew.
After a consultation process in which it discussed the use of
mobiles on planes Ofcom has also identified worries about the
possibility of disruptive and anti-social behaviour by mobile users
on planes.
"Some of the responses to the consultation also raised concerns
about passenger welfare and the potential for discomfort,
anti-social behaviour and “air rage” on board," said the Ofcom
statement. "At an operational level, such considerations fall to
the airlines and Ofcom notified the CAA of the non-confidential
comments received during the consultation and passed comments on to
them."
The system will connect with phone networks on the ground via a
satellite. An on-board base station will connect to the plane's
existing satellite system. The signal will be bounced to a
satellite and then to the ground, where it will connect with the
normal telephone system.
Ofcom said that the on-board base station would not be switched
on until the aircraft reached a height of 3,000 metres, and that it
would be under the control of the cabin crew.
