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Using Mobile Phones on Aircraft - FAQ

1. What has Ofcom announced?

Ofcom has confirmed that it will allow airlines to use the radio frequencies to enable them to offer onboard mobile services. However the Civil Aviation Authority and the European Aviation Safety Agency also need to approve these systems before they can be launched. It will be up to airlines to decide whether they will offer these services to passengers and when.

2. Does this mean that I can now use my mobile phone on board an aircraft?

You cannot use these systems on board aircraft yet. Your airline will tell you if and when services will be available.

3. Previously I have been told that I can’t make calls during a flight – so what has changed?

Technology companies have developed systems that can be used in planes without interfering with the aircraft’s navigation systems or with the mobile phone networks on the ground. New equipment has to be installed on each aircraft to make this work safely. Ofcom and other European regulators have been working to establish the technical rules which will ensure there is no harmful interference.

4. How will I be billed?

This is a matter for the network operators and the onboard service provider. Ofcom understands that billing will be through your network operator using roaming agreements similar to those when you go abroad.

5. How much will it cost to make a call whilst in-flight?

Ofcom cannot predict how much calls will cost and it is up to the service providers to set the call charges. However we expect that the prices for these services may be higher than those charged for regular mobile phone calls because of the various connection arrangements between companies to allow calls to be made and received. Your mobile service provider will inform you of the call charges.

We will encourage the mobile network operators and on-board service providers to advertise the call charges to passengers if they decide to offer these services.

6. Will my phone work on any aircraft anywhere in the world?

The current system covers planes registered in EU countries and their airspace. Once an aircraft is outside that airspace it must comply with local regulations. In other words, your phone may not work outside Europe, however we are aware that other countries outside Europe are considering introducing these services.

7. At what point during a flight will I be able to make a call?

The existing rules about using all personal electronic devices on aircraft remain unchanged.

Passengers will only be allowed to make calls when directed by the captain of the aircraft or the cabin crew. All personal mobile equipment on the aircraft must remain switched off at all other times. The captain of the aircraft will be responsible for the on-board system which can only be switched on when the aircraft has climbed above 3,000 metres.

8. How will these systems work?

The aircraft operator and their crew will manage the system on an aircraft just as they handle all other on-board radio equipment. The system will only be operated when above 3,000 metres.

Mobile phones will connect to a base station installed onboard the aircraft. This will be connected directly (by wire) to the aircraft’s satellite system and signals will be relayed to a satellite dish on the ground. From here the signal will be routed into the telephone network then to the phone of the person you are connecting to.

9. What happens if I receive a call on a flight? Will I have to pay to receive a call?

This is an issue for the mobile network operators and the on-board service provider to decide upon.

10. When will these services be introduced?

Subject to further approval by other bodies, these services could be introduced in 2008 but it is up to the individual airlines to decide whether to offer these services to passengers.

11. Will this mean that other wireless devices will be able to be used on board such as mobile email and mobile TV handsets?

Passengers will need to contact their airline to find out what devices will be permitted on aircraft.