Europe Eyes In-Flight Cell Phone Calls

Will be able to use 3G and 4G above 9,840 feet

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The European Commission’s approval on Thursday of the use of personal electronic devices during all phases of a flight could impact passengers before Christmas.

In a press statement issued after the European Aviation Safety Authority ruled similarly, the commission specifically signed off on passengers using 3G and 4G services on their cell phones, tablets and laptops above 9,840 feet in the air—the end of a flight’s “climb period”—and during the take-off and landing. It’s now up to the airlines to decide whether to enhance their connectivity services.

This week’s announcements follow the Federal Aviation Administration’s ruling in October that determined passengers can use the in-flight WiFi on their electronics throughout the flight, but that cell phones must be switched to either airplane mode or have their cellular service disabled to prohibit calling.

[The Guardian]