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Nine News: Martina Fitzgerald reports that the plan is to install small mobile phone stations in aircraft which will be switched off during takeoff
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News At One: Eoin Ryan, Fianna Fáil MEP, says he welcomes the move but does have concerns about the cost and disturbance to other passengers
The European Commission has introduced new rules to allow mobile phones to be used on planes.
The Commission says travellers will be able to receive and make calls and messages safely with their own mobile phones while flying all over Europe.
At the moment that luxury is limited to a few travellers, for fear of interfering with the aircraft's functioning. Some airlines, notably Air France, have begun tests on the system.
But the Telecoms Commissioner warned that if consumers received 'shock' phone bills, the service would not take off.
The Commissioner also called on airlines and operators to create conditions which would ensure that those using mobiles did not disturb other passengers.
