Ofcom has set out proposals to enable airlines to offer
mobile communication services on UK-registered
aircraft.
The proposals have been developed jointly with other EU
countries and are intended to cover all European
airspace.
It will be a matter for individual airlines to judge whether
there is consumer demand for these services, and the installation
of
mobile systems on aircraft will only be allowed when approved
by the relevant UK and European aviation authorities.
The proposed system includes an on-board base station which
connects to the passengers' own mobile phone handsets. Both of
these must be switched off during take-off and landing to eliminate
interference with other terrestrial mobile networks.
Once the aircraft reaches a minimum height of 3,000 metres, the
system may be switched on by the cabin crew. Mobile handsets will
then be able to use the aircraft's network service to make and
receive calls which will be routed via a satellite link to the
network on the ground.
Calls will be billed through passengers' normal service
providers.
2G (GSM) phones will be able to use the system for data, voice
and text services. If the service is successful it could be
extended to 3G and other standards in the future.
Ofcom proposes to allow the use of these systems by amending the
aircraft operators' existing Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006
licences.
Australia has already issued a licence to operate in-flight
mobile services. The earliest that services could be available from
UK registered airlines is 2008, subject to approval by the aviation
authorities.
For a number of years some airlines have offered customers
in-flight outbound telephone services via the airline's own
network. Today's proposals will allow airlines to enable passengers
to use their own mobile handsets.
The consultation, which closes on 30 November, can be found
here.