Related Sections: Cellphones
British Airways permits in-flight texting on limited routes
There's a good chance that you'll be able to use your cell during a flight pretty soon. British Airways is going to let passengers on selected flights between London and New York send text messages. The flights aren't very packed — the A318s the airline is using are arranged in a 32 seat layout — and it hasn't yet been decided whether the privilege will cost more than the price of the seats.
In-flight WiFi was the first amenity to get implemented (well, and showers), and now airlines are experimenting with texts. So what's next, full calling? I for one don't want to get packed in like a sardine next to someone gabbing away, but so it goes. Then again, I've enjoyed having in-flight WiFi — is the freedom to use your phone at all times one you'd find useful even at the expense of another's (and your own) comfort?
Daily Telegraph, via Crave
By vinnyrose at 9:33 AM ON 01/29/09
Allowing calling is a bad idea. Because of the speed of airplanes and the lack of obstruction from the place to cell towers. Cell phones would jump from cell tower to cell tower every few seconds to minutes kicking off other callers who have a weaker signal on the ground due to obstruction. It would completely overwhelm the cell system. Planes would have to be outfitted with their own cell towers for calling to be allowed, but airlines are hesitant about this aspect due to cost and interference concerns.
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vinnyrose:
Allowing calling is a bad idea. Because of the speed of airplanes and the lack of obstruction from the place to cel...More »