Passengers on flights in the EU will soon be able to use their mobile phones to the maximum of their capacity and features, just as they can with a ground-based 5G mobile network.
“5G will enable innovative services for people and growth opportunities for European companies. The sky is no longer a limit when it comes to possibilities offered by super-fast, high-capacity connectivity,” says Thierry Breton, Commissioner for the Internal Market of the European Union.
This is thanks to the European Commission recently updating the regulations for mobile communications on-board aircraft, designating certain frequencies for in-flight 5G technology.
Since 2008, the Commission's implementing decision has reserved certain frequencies for mobile communications on aircraft, allowing airlines to provide messaging, phone calls and data services to passengers flying in the EU. This update by the Commission paves the way for the widespread deployment of 5G services.
The service is provided within the cabin of an equipped aircraft using special network equipment to connect the users and route calls, texts, and data, typically via a satellite network, between the aircraft and the ground-based mobile network.
EU member states can also make the 5GHz frequency bands available for use in road vehicles, and should do so, at the latest by June 30, 2023, according to the EC.
