Airborne internet
Those who travel for business could soon be able to make more efficient use of their travel time by making cheap telephone calls over the internet.
Airlines have already begun to relax their rules on onboard electronic equipment and will soon give passengers the opportunity to use the internet, with VoIP technology a possible addition in the future.
American Airlines recently announced plans to install mobile broadband in some of its 655 planes.
Passengers will be able to pay a set fee of around £7 to use the service on flights of over three hours.
Forrester Research analyst Henry Harteveldt believed that other airlines will follow suit.
"It's a game-changer," he told Dallas News.
"You're no longer forced to be isolated from what's going on in your office, with your clients or with friends or family.
"Airlines that don't offer Internet access are going to lose business."
Despite the fact that it has been confirmed that VoIP telephony will not be part of this rollout, a majority of observers are confident that it is only a matter of time before calls can be made over the internet while airborne.
-Ends-
About Us