Horror at 37,000 feet: EU allows in-flight cell phone use

Airline passengers who want to talk on their cell phones mid-flight may be able to do so as early as this year -- at least when they're flying over Europe. The European Commission has introduced new regulations concerning cell phone use on planes. Chatting it up at 37,000 feet will be allowed, provided the plane is equipped with devices that create an on-board cellular network.

14 Apr 2008

The European Commission introduced new rules Monday for mobile communications on aircrafts during flights. The new regulations give the airlines a green light to let their passengers talk on their mobile phones midair -- with a few caveats, of course.

The Commission, however, did not create protections for quiet passengers who might find themselves stuck next to a working business person or a chatting teenager.

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