Mobiles on planes: Airlines urged to think again

Airlines have been given a clear message about their plans to enable mobile phone calls on airplanes - the people really don't want it to happen.

A poll of more than 1,100 silicon.com readers found an overwhelming 75 per cent think allowing mobile phone calls on planes will be incredibly annoying.

A further 15 per cent of respondents said they believe it will add to instances of air rage - concerns echoed by pilots and passengers alike.

silicon.com reader Glen Whelan wrote: "It would be a nightmare with calls coming in and being made throughout the journey in a very enclosed space. I say we leave it as it is, no calls during flights, and not take any risks with the flight or the air rage potentials."

Only six per cent of respondents said they believe allowing mobile calls will be a good idea, while four per cent believe it won't make much difference.

An airline pilot with one large UK carrier told silicon.com very few passengers currently use phones installed in arm rests, suggesting there are few calls that need to be made during flights. However, removing even the slightest hurdle of inconvenience could tempt some out of their silence.

So far, plans for on-board mobile services revolve around installing pico cells, which will allow incoming calls to be received on users' own handsets and outbound calls to be cheaper - $2.50 per minute has been mooted - than current 'armrest' handsets.

The small percentage of passengers who approve of the idea may still be tempted to risk the ire of other passengers rather than fight the temptation not to play with their own phone.

Another silicon.com reader, Steve M, wrote: "What an awful idea. Apart from a few business flyers that would find the phone useful I can't believe that members of the public going on their hols can't wait until they get to the other side to make a call.

"I am just stunned that it is even being considered."