Aircraft passengers should be able to use their own cellphones in flight safely and conveniently before the end of this year through a new service developed jointly by satellite operator Inmarsat, aircraft communication systems specialist Arinc and mobile telephone service provider Telenor. According to the partners, the system will cost no more than $100,000 to install on each aircraft and users will pay around $3.50 per minute to make calls and about $1 to send text messages.
This will represent a substantial saving to consumers who are currently paying between $8 and $10 per minute for existing satellite phone services. Inmarsat marketing director Robert Johnson is confident that in-flight cellphone services will prove hugely popular with passengers who have become disenchanted with what he describes as expensive and inconvenient satellite phones.
More In Cabin Interior and Electronics
