Testing Cellphones on Planes

Qualcomm and Connexion by Boeing says that they are working together to test and demonstrate in-flight wireless communications aboard Connexion One, a specially equipped Boeing 737-400 aircraft.

The companies have performed a series of test flights that successfully demonstrated the simultaneous use of CDMA and GSM mobile phone technology over an on-board network with infrastructure and integration support from UTStarcom. Using standard cellular communications, a small in-cabin CDMA2000 and GSM "picocell," or small cellular base station, is connected to the worldwide terrestrial network by an air-to-ground satellite link provided by the Connexion by Boeing high-speed airborne network.

Data tests were conducted over CDMA2000 1X and CDMA2000 1xEV-DO and voice calls were made over CDMA2000 and GSM.

Qualcomm and Connexion by Boeing will continue to perform research and development supporting the feasibility of in-flight mobile telephony and evaluate the potential for interference from multi-technology picocell networks and mobile phones to other aircraft systems and terrestrial networks.

Safety is a top priority and it is with this in mind that Qualcomm and Connexion by Boeing have committed to research and testing to ensure there is no potential for interference with both aircraft systems and terrestrial networks. Working in close collaboration with Boeing Commercial Airplanes, the testing, which began in May 2005, will continue through September 2005."

Posted to the site on 9th August 2005