5G on airplanes might soon be a thing. The European Union is now debating whether the "Airplane Mode" needs to be ditched in EU flights.
Once members of the EU conclude their discussions, 5G connection could potentially be available on airplanes starting next year.
(Photo : Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
A passenger looks at his phone while waiting aboard a United Airlines plane before taking off from George Bush Intercontinental Airport on May 11, 2020 in Houston, Texas. Air travel is down as estimated 94 percent due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and major U.S. airlines.
5G on Airplanes: 'Airplane Mode' Might Soon Be a Thing of the Past in EU Flights
As per the latest news story BBC, the European Union is discussing making 5G connection available in airplanes. It should allow passengers to make calls and watch some videos on the internet while flying.
For the longest time, airline passengers were prohibited from using their cellular connections while on board.
And as such, phone makers now feature an "Airplane Mode" feature that allows users to turn off their cellular signals in a single tap.
But with the recent discussions of EU members, this option might soon be a thing of the past.
With this, airplane passengers could potentially stop settling for the wonky Wi-Fi connection that airlines provide. Instead, once the proposal becomes a reality, they could start browsing the web using their 5G cellular connection.
Read Also: 5G Phone Shipments Are Slightly Ahead of 4G Devices For the First Time
EU is Looking to Allow 5G Connections on Airplanes
According to a recent report by Android Authority, the Federal Communications Commission decided to require passengers to turn off their cellular signals when flying. It is due to the possible interference that it might bring.
But the decision was announced way back in 1991. And it seems that technology has evolved over time.
The United Kingdom Flight Safety Committee, Dai Whittingham, says that these days "there is much less prospect of interference."
He further noted that "we have a different set of frequencies for 5G, and there are lower power settings than those that have been allowed in the US. The traveling public wants 5G."
(Photo : PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP via Getty Images)
A man talks on a mobile phone as he walks past a store of French telecom group Orange advertising the 5G service on its shop window, in Bordeaux, southwestern France, on February 23, 2021.
A man talks on a mobile phone as he walks past a store of French telecom group Orange advertising the 5G service on its shop window, in Bordeaux, southwestern France, on February 23, 2021.
So given that, it seems that the previous concerns against cellular signals appear to have been addressed with the latest technology available.
Android Authority notes in its story that the EU could potentially utilize a piece of network equipment that should prevent interference on aircraft. The new pico-cell system allows phone users to make calls, send text, and browse the internet using a satellite network, which connects to the mobile signal on the ground.
If ever the EU gives this a go signal, BBC reports that flyers could likely start browsing TikTok videos or making calls in-flight starting June 30, 2023.
Related Article: Cheapest 5G Smartphone 'Lava Blaze 5G' Launches for Just $123: Is It Worth It?
