At a time when train operators are utilizing technology to block mobile phone use, it seems inevitable that the aviation industry is going in the opposite direction

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9406948/

Probably the only reason that train operators are trying to ban mobile phones is that they couldn't work out how to make a few bob out of it (like these arirlines are trying to do). That and other passengers who are getting pissed off with matey boy in the next seat and his loud and uninteresting conversion fouling up an otherwise pleasant train journey.

Interesting that OnAir plan to charge for receiving SMS, there's no way you can block recieving so that'll be a nice money spinner, especially at 35p a time!

Horgy

Turn your phone off??

Dont know about you guys, but the last thing I want is to be on a flight, with some idiot chatting away or getting calls. I see it everyday - the minute the aircraft pulls onto stand and it stops, out come the mobile phones.
To be honest Ive never seen anyone use the 'skyphones' installed in the armrest of many airlines. Lets not forget the lovely 'Laptop' too! Would you want someone tapping away all night next to you? I think not. There is a time and a place and its not on a plane! What did we do before all this wonderful technology? Exactly. We conducted business and leasure accordingly and we were no worse off.

.....Luddites....

IMHO
We all know that cell phones have no effect on the on-board navigation system so what is the real reason for the airlines to ban them (and thank God they do)?
Frankly, I believe that to ban cell phones in flight is to lessen the possibility of air rage amongst those unfortunates crammed into their 17 x 32 inch boxes in the money earning section of the aircraft.
I regularly do 12 hour stages BKK to LHR and back again. If I had to suffer the sounds of various cretin's preferred ring tones and inane conversation then I might well become an air rage statistic myself.

We do?...............

Xeque, the most recent CAA report on this clearly details an investigation that shows conclusively that mobile phones DO cause interference. Tests were carried out onboard, I believe, a 737 and a 747 from various points throughout the cabins and behind a variety of bulkheads.
Now, before the techies jump on me, I can't off the top of my head remember the number, weblink and reference of the report - but should anyone want to know, I'll be happy to find out as I posted it myself on my crewroom wall.
Now once and for all can we get off this line that mobile phones do not affect the aircraft systems. Its getting tired. Its been proved that they do.
Apologies for the rant but I get sick of explaining to idiot passengers as well.
I'm all for judicious use of technology, travel with a laptop and a cellphone as a pilot and a passenger, but have the courtesy to realise they may annoy others if used inconsiderately.

Well I was identing a beacon the other day and instead of dit dah something...I got that annoying tone that you get if you put a mobile next to a radio and make a call. Quick search revealved I had left mobile on in my flight bag.

Xeque, you have a ppl. Next time you go flying, take your mobile and make call/ send a text. All you will hear on the radio is that annoying mobile tone and nothing else.

NG708
Pint taken.
Pint = Point - but I could be wrong

OK. If they can de-gauze cinemas then why can't they do the same for aircraft?

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=213451

Here's a device for taking care of those obnoxious "in your face" cell phone users. Definitely not to be used on aircraft though: http://www.globalgadgetuk.com/Personal.htm

And http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06060/662669.stm for a longer report of the results of the study.

meny mobiles now have this "use in airplane" option. and often when I tell pax to switch off the phone, they look at me like at idiot and say-"but it is off!"... how am I supposed to know if they have this option or no?
why do they make such a phones? It just messes everything up..

Air travel is about to get even more stressful for all involved!

Sunshine/Apaddy

You should change your handles to Ned Ludd and Ned Ludd II.

Airlines here say the phones must be either off or in "flight mode". Just ask the passenger if the phone is in "flight mode", if they give you a blank look, tell them to turn it off.

Final3Greens, thanks for yet another productive response!

Interesting article from IEEE Spectrum magazine in the US: researchers fitted a spectrum analyser into a carry-on bag and (with airline permission) flew around with it. Their conclusion: