In-Flight Wireless: Cell Phones Out, Wi-Fi In

This week we were greeted with not one but two announcements about how we'll be communicating while aboard airplanes int he near future. While it was no surprise that the FCC officially banned cell phones from use while in flight (previously rumored here), the big news is that Wi-Fi will soon be allowed in U.S. airspace. The service has long been available on international flights but paranoia over interference with airplane electronics have kept it off domestic ones.

On the cell phone front, the FCC noted it had "insufficient technical information" to determine whether airborne cell phones would be a problem for cell phone networks on the ground. Are such fears founded? Perhaps, but the decision almost certainly has more to do with social arguments against airborne chit-chat. In recent months, the FCC has been flooded with messages from people who can't stand the asinine conversations they are exposed to on trains, buses, and on planes while they're taxiing to the gate. On the other hand, interestingly, the Wall Street Journal also reports  (linked above) that European and Middle Eastern airlines will begin offering in-flight cell phone service this year.

On the other hand, things are looking rosy for in-flight Wi-Fi. Though the FAA currently bans the technology along with cell phones as a potential source of interference, things have always been a bit looser for Wi-Fi, probably because it is quiet. Boeing's Connexion service was originally looking good over U.S. skies, but it was killed off late last year. However, a company called AirCell (which is also a proponent of in-flight cell phones) is looking to revive the idea.  It's even mentioned pricing: $10 a day. Other companies are dabbling in the space as well.

So you may be able to use your computer in flight, but not your phone, right? Well, what of VOIP systems like Skype? AirCell says it'll block those at the source. Sorry, chatmeisters.

LINK: WiFi in the Sky: Airlines Prepare Cabin Hotspots