Dubai-based Emirates has put itself ahead of the competetion again by saying that it will start letting passengers on its A380 aircraft talk using their cellphones while in flight on Monday.
The service works with standard phones in conjunction with OnAir, the company that provides Wi-Fi service for Emirates’ aircraft.
The only set back is that, per Federal Aviation Administration rules, the phones can’t be used over the U.S., so customers aren’t allowed to use their cellphones within 250 miles of the United States.
“Beginning in 1993 with first passenger satellite phone service to last year with our A380 Wi-Fi system, Emirates has always taken the approach that providing the latest in inflight service and connectivity is a key part of our passengers’ journey,” airline VP Patrick Brannelly said in a statement. “Emirates continues to invest in the most innovative technology possible and promises to keep pushing the boundaries of the inflight innovation for the benefit of our passengers.”
Signed, Isidori Mtabo