So I hear the rules could be changing very soon about being able to use mobile phones on a plane, ie we will soon be allowed to do it. I actually know a few people who point blank refuse to actually switch theirs off these days stating and I quote;

I just want to prove that they don’t cause any problems !

That’s a pretty brave decision, especially if you end up being proved wrong

So what’s my thoughts on this? Well I’m kinda in a half way house on this one. I must admit quite often during a long haul flight I get bored, and start messing with the onboard phone in my seat. Before I know it I’ve swiped my credit card and dialled the number. I must admit it is nice talking to someone at 35,000 feet while watching a beautiful sunset. That is of course until you get back to home base to discover that 5 minute chat cost you half a months salary. So on that point it would be nice to be able to make calls at a lower rate. Of course the airlines are not going to pass up on another revenue stream so I’m sure the costs will still be quite high, perhaps just not as high as with the phone in your seat.

I guess my issue is with incoming calls, both with myself and others taking them. You know what it’s like on a train or bus - multiple polyphonic ring tones going off making it actually more like a disco on wheels. I can see this being quite annoying on a flight, perhaps time to invest in some noise cancelling headphones. Then of course I actually quite like not being able to be contacted for that 10 hour flight to Houston. It gives me a chance to get done some of the things I’ve been letting slip. I know a friend who has the arduous task of flying first class with Virgin Atlantic and they allow incoming calls to your seat - his wife rings him up quite a bit !

I hear as well that, initially at least, it will only be 2G networks that will be allowed, ie voice and sms. Through time I’m sure 3G will be allowed meaning I can send some live video / audio / photos to my various blogs. Now that would be pretty cool. Of course all this may become irrelevant if the airlines bring back wireless on planes as then I’d be able to use Skype.

What’s your view?

Posted on March 28th, 2008 by nigel