Airplane Cell Service Possible

Posted by Bridget Lux Sep 7, 2006

Assuming the powers that be approve, Ryanair, Europe's low-cost airline, is planning to offer in-flight cellular service. This could be a good thing, but I'm betting it's going to be as irritating as that screaming kid that seems to be on every flight I take.

OK, so maybe I'm a little cranky from my recent cross-Atlantic flight, but the very idea of dozens of jabbering passengers shouting "can you hear me now?" is enough to make me rethink air travel altogether. Now, if people could restrain themselves to only use the cell service when it was really necessary, I think it could be a lovely development. But I know people - and so do you. Next thing you know, you'll be sitting next to a love-sick teen repeating the phrase "no, I love you more," not caring what kind of bill he's wracking up.

Which brings us to the subject of cost: According to Ryanair, the service will be made available for rates that compare to European roaming rates. That's about as clear as mud. My guess is that it will be high. No competition equals, well, sky's the limit, pun intended.

But what can I do about it? Hope the regulatory folks ixnay airline cell service? It's a possibility, but they probably won't be able to hold out for long. Earplugs, I think that's the answer. A good set of quality earplugs.