The independent regulator and competition authority in the UK, Ofcom has announced yesterday its plans for introducing on airlines the possibility of using mobile phones while on board. They will provide the installation of a special base station on board, enabling passengers to call and send text messages using their own mobile phone.

Currently, passengers in Europe are banned from using their cell phone while flying. But, European countries and civil aviation authorities are moving together to allow this service on board of the aircrafts. The banning has had the motive of possible interferences between aircrafts’ technical systems and terrestrial mobile networks. The service would be offered by licensed aircraft for a fee of 2 pounds a minute.

Up to now, banning was encouraged by the majority of passengers because of their safety and they preferred to be un-contactable during their flight. They also declared that they are not so keen in hearing their neighbor chatting. In a US study only 11 percent of the 50,000 passengers surveyed replied they would prefer to use their mobile on board of their flight.

The irritation of passengers being disturbed by phone chatting can be avoided because the aircraft crew will have control on the technical device permitting passengers to link up with their mobile operators. Especially during the night flights, the devices could be switched off and also mobile-free quiet zones could be introduced.

There is another research pointed out by Ofcom, in which almost half of international business fliers said they would prefer airlines that allow the use of mobile phones in flight. Because of the 2 pounds fee, there is also the potential for passengers to be overcharged. Ofcom stated that it would “investigate and address any complaints of excessive charges and any other abuses of competition”.

Ofcom said that its plans are jointly developed with other EU countries in order to cover all EU airspace and after their approval from the Civil Aviation Authority, it is expected that the service will be operational by the next year.