Qualcomm Demos In-Flight Cell Phone Service
Can this really be safe?
Anyway I just don't think we need cell phones EVERYWHERE. It's like people that Bitch about why their phone doesn't work in a National Park or at the Grand Canyon!
Date Posted: Mar 3, 2004, 11:49 AM
Source: Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless and Verizon Airfone yesterday announced a new service for Verizon Wireless customers who travel frequently by plane. The $10/month service lets customers forward their Verizon Wireless phone number to their at-seat phone on board any of the more than 2,000 planes served by Verizon Airfone. The service also reduces the in-flight call cost to just $0.10 per minute (normally $3.99 to set up plus $3.99 per minute).
Of course, not all airlines use VZ Airfone -- American (on which Qualcomm did the trial) doesn't, as they used AT&T until they got out of the in-flight phone biz. (Fortunately for me, Delta does. đ )
On the one hand, planes are unique due to the close quarters, assigned seating, and long duration. Those three ingredients don't mix well with cell phones. Planes aren't like a train where you can just move to the next car if someone's being loud and obnoxious. Whoever you're next to - you're stuck with those folks the whole way.
And whether you're trying to read, work, or nap, the quieter everyone else is, the better. And for the really long and/or night flights, where some shut-eye is a necessity, this could be a nightmare (perhaps literally âšī¸ ).
I think the better technology for planes is Wi-Fi Intern...
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But like Rich i also see this as something that is going to happen like it or not. I do like the wi-fi idea more but i do think yiour right that it doesnt reach out enough to "the everyday" person. Where as anyone can walk into my store and afford a cell. The only thing i would think would be an issue is what X9 said about pacemakers and microwaves, i mean theres a reason you cant use your phone in the...
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cellboy said:
...idiots with thier cell's going off ...
Oh God... I completely forgot about the ringtones. đ
We can only hope the airlines will make vibrate mode mandatory, too.
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