In-flight mobile phone use on the horizon

AIRCELL, the in-flight mobile phone specialist, says it is up to 18 months away from completing a proof-of-concept version of a system that will allow passengers to use their mobile phones in-flight. This follows success that AirCell has had with a system that it uses for the corporate market.

The Colorado-based company has signed up its first airline customers. It is also working closely with the US Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Communications Commission to bring this concept into the real world. It says it has the technology to develop a system that is based on its existing telephone system. It is aiming for availability in the fourth quarter of 2004.

Frontier Airlines will evaluate AirCell's wireless system on a single Airbus from December. Depending on its success, it may equip its whole fleet. The system uses cellular technology and has 134 ground stations located throughout the US. AirCell reckons its pricing is significantly cheaper than the competition. µ

L'Inq
Flight International