Passengers flying in the European Union (EU) look set to be able to use their phones to make calls on planes from next summer, according to reports.
The European Commission has ruled that carriers can provide 5G technology on board planes, alongside slower mobile data.
“This could mean flyers will no longer be required to put their phone on airplane mode – though the specifics of how it will be implemented are unclear,” reported the BBC.
The deadline for member states to make the 5G frequency bands available for planes is June 30, 2023.
This will mean people can use all their phone’s features during flights, enabling calls as well as apps that stream music and video.
Dai Whittingham, chief executive of the UK Flight Safety Committee, told the BBC that airplane mode was historically important due to concerns that mobile devices could interfere with automatic flight control systems.
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