EU To Allow 3G and 4G Connections On Planes

jfruh writes "In America we're celebrating the fact that we don't have to stow our Kindles during takeoff and landing anymore, but the EU is going a step further and not requiring passengers to switch their phones to "airplane" mode anymore. If you're on an airplane with a Network Control Unit that regulate cellular connections, you can text and make calls over standard 3G and 4G networks. You'll want to watch out for roaming charges, though, especially if you're on a flight crossing national borders."

I don't understand

[Anonymous Coward]

I honestly thought that one of the reason why they have the no electronics during take off and landing was to ensure that people are paying attention to what's going on in case of emergencies.

Hell I've had stewardesses ask me (very nicely) to put away a physical textbook I was reading.

But yeah, please keep the ban on cell phone use for making calls, in fact ban any type of audio conferencing. Last thing I want is an obnoxious asshole blabbing away really loudly next to me.

Cell towers

[Anonymous Coward]

Years ago in the Jeppesen Instrument Flight Manual, they had a diagram showing why using a cell phone in flight was a bad idea because the phone would "grab" (I can't remember the term) several towers as opposed to maybe a at most two when you're on the ground.

Anyone know about this?

I can't look it up because the book is long gone. I sold all my flight stuff because I can't afford it because of what looks to be permanent unemployment. I do see my license and log book and cry myself to sleep on occasion.

Cost Benefit Analysis Needed...

[jfalcon]

Having worked for a provider of these services, I can tell you that telephone calls are usually very, very short due to cabin noise and connection charges. But SMS and Data have always been a bigger draw. I see this as a win as hopefully this will nudge the FCC/FAA to become more symmetrical in the rules between the US and Europe.

The real question is what will be the cost model for UMTS/LTE vs In-Cabin WiFi as each has a entirely different set of data protocols and are routed differently once they reach the ground network.