EU Allows In-Flight Voice and Data Calls on Cell Phones

In spite of public opinion polls showing that airline passengers do not want to deal with people talking on their cell phones during flights, today the EU's regulators have cleared the way for people to start doing just that. The new ruling means that airlines will be free to start offering their passengers the ability to use both voice and data services, including SMS, with cell phones on specially equipped airplanes.

Air France announced last week its intention to do just that, though Lufthansa has said that it has no plans to offer such services, citing their passengers' wishes for a call free flying environment as being the reason.

The European Commission plans on ensuring that the rates for in-flight voice and data calls stay reasonable, probably in line with international roaming rates. They have not announced plans to set any formal price limits, though.