Passengers flying within the EU will be able to use their mobile phones to call, text and stream videos onboard flights.
This could be the case in years to come after the European Commission confirmed that airlines are able to provide 5G technology during flights; This could also see and end to turning on airplane mode whilst travelling.
Previously, airlines were unsure of the risk using mobile devices could have in relation to interference to flights however ,the European Commission has now deemed this significantly lowers than first expected.
Speaking to the BBC, Dai Whittingham, chief executive of the UK Flight Safety Committee explained,
“There was a concern {devices} could interfere with automatic flight control systems,” he said.
“What has been found with experience is the risk of interference is very small. The recommendation has always been that once you are in flight, devices should be in in airplane mode.”
Until now. The UK and EU faces different interference frequencies than those whilst flying across the US and therefore this is allowing for planes to possibly implement the technology on board.
Whittingham continued,
“There is much less prospect of interference,” he said, “We have a different set of frequencies for 5G, and there are lower power settings than those that have been allowed in the US.
“The travelling public wants 5G. The regulators will open up that possibility, but there will be steps that will be taken to ensure that whatever they do is safe.”
A deadline for EU member states to ensure 5G frequency is available for airplanes is set for 30th June 2023.
A spokesperson for the UK Civil Aviation Authority has explained they are “ready to work with the industry to assist the delivery of this innovation.”
