In-flight calls 'could be expensive'

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In-flight calls 'could be expensive'

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By Editorial Team (Wednesday, 8th October 2008)

An expert has stated that plans to introduce means by which people can make phone calls while on the plane could be expensive.

According to Laurence Price, director of aviation strategy at Mott MacDonald, mobile phone users hoping to take advantage of the new system could find that it costs them a lot.

The scheme involves putting miniature mobile masts onto planes to enable passengers to make calls, send texts and receive email.

Mr Price notes that carriers such as British Airways and Singapore airlines already offer phones in the seatbacks for some flyers.

He added that these services are usually very expensive and networks and airlines charge a premium rate for their use.

He commented: "There will be a premium on you using your mobile phone on an aeroplane. I'd hate to think what the charge per minute will be, I doubt whether it's cheap."

Continuing, he said that some budget airlines may find this an attractive option as it could offer alternative revenue sources and maximise the income from each customer.

Mr Price cites Ryanair as an example of this, as the firm has already announced that 14 of its 166 aircraft will be fitted with mini-masts in the future.

Those on O2 or Three will be able to use the service, but it is thought that other networks will soon sign up.

Ofcom recently announced that planes with the service will not turn it on until the aircraft reaches a height of 3,000 metres.

The calls will then be billed through the passengers normal service providers.