UK Regulator Considering Phones on Planes Usage

The UK's telecoms regulator, Ofcom says that it has been approached by stakeholders from the avionic and telecoms sectors suggesting that it should review the wireless telegraphy licensing regime in order to permit the provision and use of mobile services on aircraft. Ofcom has now published a discussion paper which invites comment from stakeholders on a number of legal, regulatory and technical issues within Ofcom's responsibilities which need to be considered and resolved.

There are a number of other issues, outside Ofcom's field of responsibility, which must be dealt with before any such services could be provided. Aircraft safety is of primary importance, and ensuring that this is in no way compromised is the responsibility of the Civil Aviation Authority. The proposed services would have to satisfy the CAA's requirements before they could be introduced. Also, if such services were permitted, it would be a commercial decision for airlines whether to offer them or not, taking into account the needs and preferences of their customers.

The purpose of Ofcom's paper is to generate discussion and invite comment on the issues that lie within Ofcom's field of responsibility.

You can read the white paper at: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/research/telecoms/reports/aircraft/"

Posted to the site on 11th April 2006