EU Allows Phone Calls on Airplanes Soon
If you’re a frequent flyer, then you already know about the regular routine of placing your phone into airplane mode as a normal airline security measure. But starting June 30, 2023, the European Union will allow phone calls on planes.
Last December, the European Commission ruled that airlines provide 5G frequency bands and slower mobile data on their aircraft, and now, all members of the EU must make the necessary adjustments before the June 30th deadline. However, the specifics have not been announced and may vary from airline to airline.
The upgrade doesn’t rule out that airplane mode will be removed completely in the EU, but passengers will be able to play games, watch films, text, and make in-flight calls. The kicker is that you may have more flexibility to use your phone’s mobile data, but roaming charges and other fees may be applied.
If phone conversations are anything like the loud and obnoxious convos we hear on public transportation, we’re not ready for this change in the U.S. And according to Forbes, there’s a good chance the United States will not follow the EU yet because the 5G networks in the U.S. are different and run on a closer frequency to the equipment on the aircraft. Already that’s sparked fears that the frequencies will interfere with the aircraft, including its safety equipment and the plane’s ability to measure altitude.
