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Mobile phone calls take to the sky

by Chris Dawson

This post was written in March 2008; specific information contained within it may be out of date.

It won’t be long before eBay users can keep in contact with customers whereever they are in the world, including one of the last prohibited areas - on a plane flight.

According to the BBC the first authorised mobile phone call has been made on an Emirates flight using a new system created by AeroMobile. Cabin crew will be able to limit use of the system blocking calls and only allowing text messages at certian times such as on night flights.

Initially only GSM services are likely to be available but AeroMobile intend to extend their technology to GPRS to include data services. In the future Skype on a plane should be come a reality, as would the ability to browse your eBay auctions and answer questions from buyers.

I guess it’s almost time to look at upgrading my PDA to include a data card. I love an excuse to buy a new techie gadget