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It is indicated that very soon in the past there will be a time when passengers will literally have to disconnect from the outside world after boarding the plane. After all, smartphones have a special option – airplane mode, which passengers must activate during the flight.
However, airlines will now offer 5G wireless internet on European airline flights, which will allow passengers to make in-flight calls and also simply cut down on the time spent on the internet.
Communications will be provided by special equipment which must be present on each aircraft. The so-called “Pico-cell” will connect the aircraft’s on-board system with satellites, from which the signal will be sent to each specific aircraft.
All smartphone functions will thus be available: it will be possible to make calls, write text messages, check e-mail, watch videos, play video games and do many other things. Passengers are promised that they will not feel the difference in communication quality both in flight and on the ground.
It is indicated that a separate frequency will be allocated specifically for making calls, which has been used in air communications since 2008, but it is for other purposes.
The new rules must be approved by all member states of the European Union. Once the legislation is ratified, passengers will also be able to use smartphones on planes. According to estimates by the European Commission, it will take place by next June.
“5G will deliver innovative services to people and new opportunities for European businesses,” commented EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton on innovation.
Previously, a similar plan was also considered in the United States, but the regulator forbade the implementation of such a plan in life, taking into account safety issues.
US authorities said airlines and flight crews are also adamantly against mobile communications during flights, meaning airlines will have to develop new rules governing the use of mobile communications during flights.
