Mobile Calls at 30000ft

Using a mobile phone on board a plane is banned by airlines because of
fears that the signal from a handset will interfere with the aircraft's
systems as it attempts to connect with phone masts on the ground. New
technology developed by Geneva-based OnAir [a joint venture between
Airbus and Netherlands-based technology company SITA], however,
uses a small transmitter placed within the aircraft to send and receive
calls and then connects them to the terrestrial phone network via satellite.

Two airlines are seriously considering introduction of this technology into
their aeroplanes that allows passengers to make in-flight calls. BMI and
TAP Portugal are planning to trial the service on short-haul European
routes next year, enabling business travellers to stay in touch at 30,000
feet.

Although regulatory approval is required for the technology, OnAir
believes that because mobile phones will connect with a transmitter on
board the plane, they will operate at a lower signal strength than they
would if trying to find a far away mast. As a result, OnAir believes its
technology will not interfere with the aircraft's systems, although phones
will still have to be switched off during takeoff and landing.

OnAir estimates that the market for in-flight mobile telephony will be
over 700m passengers by 2009 and the value of onboard communications
could be $1.6bn for voice and $400m for data such as texts and e-mail.
A rival system is being developed by US-Norwegian combine Telenor Arinc.