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StumbleUponThe Mobile Phones on Planes Debate Continues
Whether you are for or against mobile phones on planes, it appears that the reality of it happening is getting closer. Several airlines flying throughout Europe, including Air France, are giving it a trial run or have already begun the service. You won’t have to be concerned if flying in the U.S. as mobile phone technology on planes is prohibited at present, although some method of texting or non-voice communication may be introduced.
Complaints range from having to listen to other people’s conversations to concerns about air safety. Perhaps those of us in the against-camp shouldn’t be too concerned as it’s likely that the cost of calls made from planes will be so astronomical there won’t be a lot of mindless chit-chat going on. The price caps on roaming charges that were introduced last year will not apply to mobiles used on planes within the EU.
Ofcom, the UK tele-communications regulator, has given the go-ahead for the systems to be installed on British planes and many European regulators have also given their approval. Phone use will not be permitted during takeoff and landing - only when at cruising altitude. Ryanair and Bmi are keen to implement the service on their planes. Emirates airline already has the service up and running and hopes to add BlackBerry by the end of the year. Qantas also has plans to introduce a system by the end of the year but theirs will be confined to texting and non-voice methods of communication. Qatar airways has abandoned the idea due to the majority of their customers not wanting it.
Judging by surveys carried out, the majority of travellers are against mobile phones on planes – but are the airlines listening? Will they vote off the weakest link?
Add a pair of ear-muffs to the packing list for your next flight. Travel insurance won’t cover your jangled nerves if you are unlucky enough to be seated next to someone with plenty to say and money to burn!
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This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008 at 3:35 pm and is filed under Airlines, Travel News .You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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