3Cinteractive Blog

The only thing worse than a stranger talking loud on their cell phone, is a being trapped, 35,000 feet above ground, with a stranger talking loud on their cell phone. With a slew of European airliners, such as Air France, beginning to test in-flight mobile use, the US is going to find itself with a decision to make. Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore, has decided to put his stake in the ground, requesting the government to clarify the use of mobile phones on commercial airlines. In his bill, The Hang Up Act of 2008, DeFazio suggests banning voice communication, while still allowing use of text messaging and e-mail capabilities.

Verizon’s Airfone service has allowed passengers to make in-flight calls, but the outrageous pricing has kept passengers away from the casual gossip call. DeFazio speaks on behalf of many who fear that an affordable voice call solution would trap passengers in a cabin full of unwanted cell phone noise.

Many airlines are looking to offer mobile to help boost declining revenue. Offering an in-flight base station, airlines would be able to drive revenue through passengers buying access. This service doesn’t have to disappear, but it must tolerable to passengers that aren’t using it. Offering cell connection for text, data, and e-mail, but limiting voice calls is the ideal. Using this solution, passengers have access to work and family without disturbing the cabin, or even the passenger next to them. This is the happy medium, and DeFazio’s bill supports it. All the airliners need now is payment through premium SMS.

- Ainsworth