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In-flight mobiles to take off over Europe
But EC's Reding issues stark warning against sky-high prices...

By Natasha Lomas

Published: Tuesday 08 April 2008

In-flight mobile calls have been given the green light by the European Commission (EC) which has moved to pave the way for the take off of pan-European services. But the EC's information, society and media commissioner, Viviane Reding, has already sounded a pre-emptive warning to operators about sky-high prices.

If mobile operators were hoping mile high mobiles could be the new shortcut to revenue heaven, Reding is keen to make them think again.

In a statement, she warned: "We expect operators to be transparent and innovative in their price offerings. In-flight mobile phone services can be a very interesting new service especially for those business travellers who need to be ready to communicate wherever they are, wherever they go. However, if consumers receive shock phone bills, the service will not take-off."

The EC has introduced measures to simplify and smooth the route to market for operators seeking to offer in-flight mobile services in European airspace - by removing licensing red-tape and setting out harmonised technical parameters for the necessary onboard kit.

In-flight mobile services operate via onboard picocell technology and a satellite link connecting the aircraft to mobile networks on the ground. Aircrafts must also install a network control unit to prevent onboard phones trying to connect with land-based cellular networks which are not designed to cope with such high speed movement, and also to ensure mobiles do not interfere with cabin equipment.

Common standards will reduce the bureaucratic burden on operators, according to the EC, who it said would otherwise have to deal with 27 or more national administrations at once. Harmonised technical requirements mean European airlines will only need a national licence from their own country in order to operate pan-European in-flight mobile services.

Last year, the EC also stepped in to simplify the rollout of mobile satellite services across Europe.

Reding said: "Pan-European telecom services, such as in-flight mobile telephony, need a regulatory 'one-stop shop' to operate throughout Europe."

With a nod to public disquiet over the notion of being sardine-tinned on a plane surrounded by the inane conversations of strangers, Reding added: "I also call on airlines and operators to create the right conditions on board aircraft to ensure that those who want to use in-flight communication services do not disturb other passengers."

The commissioner has previously made it her mission to slay rip-off mobile roaming rates - for voice, text and data services.

UK telecoms regulator Ofcom, also gave its approval to in-flight mobile technology last month.

Emirates Airline recently rung up the first authorised in-flight mobile call on a plane travelling from Dubai to Casablanca.