that the speed of a jet aircraft in flight means that the number of, err, repeaters, thingies, mobile receiving stations, whatever, passed over by the aircraft meant that the phone company concerned (there weren't many around then ) couldn't track the call and therefore no bill was able to be sent.
Binos, I heard that the reason was that when the mobiles poll in flight, they are hitting more than one ground based station and causes their system to have a kitten? Dunno if that is true either!
I have heard something similar to this, due to the altitude that aircraft fly at, with the old analogue system, the phones were able to connect with multiple ground stations at any one time, thus making it impossible for "the" phone company to be able to charge people.
I understand this issue has been resolved with the introduction of digtal and GSM phones.
Another urban myth perhaps? But does sound very plausible if you like a good conspiracy. I mean since when has government been concerned with our safety? But hit them in the hip pocket and they sure get into action.
Cheers, HH.
PS: The answers out there somewhere...