Europe Closer to Allowing Phones on Planes

The idea of people yapping on their cell phones while flying the friendly skies gets no play in the states, but Europeans are downright thrilled about the idea. The latest news: EU regulators are now looking into the introduction of airborne cell phones, having finally developed a technology that permits mobile phone calls without the much-talked-about "interference" with aircraft electronics.

One 2003 study (which I'd never heard about) said that cell phones skew navigation readings by up to 5 degrees and could cause planes to go off course. That interference has been the big holdup in Europe, not concerns over the sanctity and silence of the airplane cabin. A newly developed technology purportedly prevents such interference.

There are many additional hurdles to be passed before planes actually roll out this technology. Additional levels of regulation still have to sign off on the plan, and then it will ultimately be up to the individual airlines as to whether or not to proceed. Still, some expect this could all be resolved as early as (late) 2008. Stay tuned for updates.

LINK: Mobile phone use backed on planes