Goodbye airplane mode as the EU allows airlines to install 5G technology

Goodbye airplane mode as the EU allows airlines to install 5g technology

Mobile phone user image: pxhere

Goodbye airplane mode and hello air communications as the European Union (EU) gives airlines the go-a-head to install the latest 5G technology.

According to the Brussels Times on Friday, November 25, the change will see passengers being able to use their smart phones during flights just as they do normally.

The European Commission is said to have adapted mobile legislation to bring it in line with the latest in communication technology. EU Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton said: “The sky is no longer the limit when it comes to high-speed, high-capacity connections.

“5G will enable innovative services for people and growth opportunities for European companies.”

So-called “pico-cells” will be installed in planes which allows safe 5g coverage and connection with satellite transmitters worldwide. The “pico-cell” allows telephone calls, text messages and data transfer via a satellite to mobile receivers on the ground.

Airplanes aren’t going to be the only ones to benefit with the Commission working on legislation to open up 5G frequencies to wi-fi connections in cars, buses and other means of transport. EU countries have been given until 30 June 2023 to make the 5G bands accessible in their respective countries.

While goodbye airplane mode and hello in flight connection may be a good thing, it is undoubtedly going to rile many travellers who currently enjoy the solitude of flying.


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Written by

Peter McLaren-Kennedy

Originally from South Africa, Peter is based on the Costa Blanca and is a web reporter for the Euro Weekly News covering international and Spanish national news. Got a news story you want to share? Then get in touch at editorial@euroweeklynews.com.

Comments


    • Lewis `Cheap Flights` Linden

      27 November 2022 • 17:00

      The article discusses the possible future of air travel and the end of airplane mode. It is speculative and does not provide any concrete evidence or sources to back up the claims made. The author suggests that airplane mode may eventually be phased out altogether, as technology advances. However, there is no evidence to support this claim. In fact, the opposite is true; as technology advances, airplane mode is becoming more and more necessary. This is because the electromagnetic radiation emitted by electronic devices can interfere with aircraft electronic systems. Therefore, airplane mode is likely to become even more important in the future, not less. The author also claims that “airplane mode is a relic of a time when flying was a much more dangerous undertaking.” This is false; airplane mode was introduced in the early 2000s, well after flying had become a safe form of travel. Moreover, airplane mode is not just for safety; it also conserves battery life, which is important for long flights. Finally, the author states that “in the future, we may all be able to fly without having to worry about turning our devices off.” This is also unlikely, as there is no way to know for sure that all electronic devices will be compatible with aircraft systems in the future. Therefore, it is still important to have airplane mode as an option. What evidence is there to suggest that airplane mode will be phased out? What are the benefits of airplane mode?

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