Ofcom plans for mobile phones on UK aircraft

Ofcom has said it plans to enable airlines to offer mobile phone services on UK-registered aircraft if they wish to do so. Aircraft operators will need to apply for a Mobile Communications on Aircraft (MCA) licence, although there'll be no additional charge. The equipment will confirm to technical specifications that have already been agreed by the Electronic Communications Committee of the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations and the European Electronic Telecommunications Standards Institute. The European Aviation Safety Agency, the Civil Aviation Authority and the Department for Transport will also need to approve any plans before mobile phones are permitted on aircraft. [Press statement]