Passengers flying in Europe could soon be able to make in-flight
calls, send text messages and use data as they would on the ground.
Thanks to new legislation passed by the European Commission,
digitally-connected travellers will soon be able to use their
smartphone's full features and capacities aboard European Union-based
flights.
The Commission last week unveiled plans to implement "wide-spread
deployment of 5G services" and allow EU-based airlines to be able to
provide in-flight 4G and 5G technology on their planes.
A timeline has not been given, although the 5GHz frequency band is
set to be available for road vehicles in the EU before 30 June 2023.
Thierry Breton, commissioner for the internal market, expects the new
legislation as a potential catalyst to drive new EU-based services and
business growth.
"5G will enable innovative services for people and growth
opportunities for European companies," he said. "The sky is no longer a
limit when it comes to possibilities offered by super-fast,
high-capacity connectivity."
Service will be provided using special network equipment called a
pico-cell that connect the in-flight network to the ground via a
satellite, the statement said.