A thing of the past will be “flight mode” for passengers traveling in Europe as, according to El Pais, the Commission is expected to determine specific 5G network frequencies to ensure mobile phones stay connected even in the air.

In practice, the ruling will give airlines the green light to allow their customers to make and receive phone calls, SMS and use their data.

The service will be offered using special networking equipment called “picosots”, which will essentially connect the aircraft’s network to the ground via satellite.

“The sky is no longer a barrier when it comes to ultra-fast connectivity,” said Thierry Breton, commissioner for the internal market.

This will allow airlines to offer the latest 5G technology on their aircraft, according to a recent report from the European Commission on in-flight communications.

Why are we activating Airplane Mode?

As a reminder, current regulations require passengers to turn off their mobile phones or activate flight mode before takeoff and throughout the flight. This practice is a safety measure to avoid interference with aircraft electrical and telecommunications systems. Currently, connecting to the Internet through wireless devices such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops is only possible through the internal Wi-Fi network offered by each airline, usually as a paid service.

What will change?

What will change is that the European Commission will now allow a specific frequency band for 5G use, ensuring that it does not interfere with any electronic devices on the plane so that the traveler can always have their smartphone with them.

However, it is noted that the network will only operate at low altitudes and in favorable weather conditions.

In addition, the pilot-in-command may order cell phones to be turned off at any time as he deems appropriate.

“5G will provide innovative services for people and growth opportunities for European companies,” Breton said.

Safe but not free

Although passengers will be able to use their phones on the plane, this does not mean that the service will be free. Mobile phone companies and airlines will likely agree to charge you for this service. This will also be preceded by significant investments by airlines in the purchase of special equipment that will allow land mobile networks to be connected to the aircraft during the flight.

The comparable measure provoked a backlash during early discussions about its implementation. In detail in 2020, the US Federal Communications Commission rejected plans to allow in-flight voice and data services over cellular wireless frequencies, citing strong opposition, including from pilots and flight attendants, on safety and national security grounds.

Earlier this year, major US airlines sounded the alarm in a joint letter to major aviation regulators and the White House. They warned that if operators activate the 5G network near airports, they could compromise the safety of thousands of flights. This is because the frequencies used by the new networks can interfere with the frequencies used by aircraft to measure altitude, which can lead to catastrophic accidents. Because of this, Emirates, Air India, Lufthansa, British Airways and Japan Airlines have announced the cancellation and change of flights to the United States.

However, in Europe the situation is different: the margin is higher and there is no risk of interference. European authorities and aviation safety authorities have been working on collision avoidance for two years now.

Source: El Pais