The EU on Monday introduced new rules that allow airline travelers to use mobile phones during flights in European skies.
The decision makes the 27-nation bloc the first region in the world to scrap bans on the use of cell phones in the sky. The EU insists the change will not compromise safety.
Once the plane has reached an altitude of 3,000 meters (9,850 feet), calls will be permitted. An on-board cellular tower of sorts will handle the calls, and then transfer them to the network on the ground.
EU officials said the system has been thoroughly tested. They said the calls will not interfere with flight navigation and will have additional safeguard to protect against terrorism.
Even with this boost from the governmental bodies, this does not mean service will be automatic. The European Aviation Safety Agency still needs to give approval for any installed system.
EU officials said phone service will be blocked during takeoff and landing. Flight captains will also be given the authority to shut off the systems if they feel it necessary.
Source:Xinhua/Agencies
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