Qualcomm Tests In-Flight Cell Phone Service

[Mike Temporale]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.phonescoop.com/news/item.php?n=914' target='_blank'>http://www.phonescoop.com/news/item.php?n=914</a><br /><br /></div><i>" On a special two-hour American Airlines test flight over Texas yesterday, Qualcomm publicly demonstrated its solution for in-flight CDMA cell phone service. The service uses a picocell - a cell phone tower the size of a laptop - to provide in-cabin coverage. Because the picocell is so close, phones automatically emit a weaker signal, preventing interference with plane navigation systems and phone networks on the ground. Calls are relayed to the ground via satellite, causing a 1-second delay. While Qualcomm's solution works only with CDMA phones, two other companies - WirelessCabin and AirCell - are developing similar solutions for WCDMA and GSM."</i><br /><br />It won't be long and we'll have 100% coverage no matter where we are. Is anyone working on a solution for under the water? ;) Personally, I find an airplane much like a elevator or a train. It's much to crowded and uncomfortable to effectively work on the phone.

[Kris Kumar]

I am impressed by the technology. However the social implications worry me. I hate it when people use cell phones in public places. More than the loud conversation its the fancy ring tones that bother me. I hope once this tech goes live, the stewards are trained to announce "Please put your phones on silent/vibrate mode so that you don't disturb your fellow passengers."

I hope this tech enables internet access. That will be cool. I can check e-mails, surf net for news, and checkout SmartphoneThoughts.com.

And this one is CDMA, has similar technology been tested for GSM?

[John Cody]

I'm sorry, but I don't want to be sitting next to someone carrying on with a long conversation on their cell phone.

I hope the picocell device will set some type of max call duration, then force a disconnect, so calls will be limited and not too disturbing, otherwise I am going to start talking aloud to an invisible friend and see how they like it!

[Kris Kumar]

I hope the picecell device will set some type of max call duration, then force a disconnect, so calls will be limited and not too disturbing, otherwise I am going to start talking aloud to an invisible friend and see how they like it!

Now that is a good idea. I think you should mail this suggestion to Qualcomm. I am sure the airlines would love to have this feature turned on.

[Mr.Phil]

It would be nice to think that only data calls/1X sessions/SMS would be allowed on flights, but somehow I think most carriers would be looking at maximizing their return on what would be a signficant infrastructure outlay. I can only imagine the roaming charges that could be racked up on a phone call!