Now here is some news that may make the frequent flyer or the traveller in you happy: Passengers on flights within the European Union (EU) will soon be allowed to use mobile phones without enabling aeroplane mode. The European Commission has ruled that airlines can provide 5G technology onboard in addition to allowing mobile data.
Which means, if you’re annoyed when the air-hostess politely asks you to put your phone on ‘Flight Mode,’ or the ‘Airplane mode’ you will be in luck from June next year. That’s because you will be able to use all your phone’s features mid-flight – enabling calls as well as data-heavy apps that stream music and video.
If you have a live show that you don’t want to miss while travelling, this means that you now can watch that and more! Think a hot new music album release or a documentary that gives you the scoop you wanted on your most loved or love-to-hate celebrity.
Thierry Breton, EU Commissioner for the Internal Market, said the plan would “enable innovative services for people and help European companies grow. The sky is no longer a limit when it comes to possibilities offered by super-fast, high-capacity connectivity.“
This also means that you can stay connected – to friends, family, personal commitments – if you wanted to. If you’re a parent taking a holiday for the first time after you had kids, and are jittery about leaving them behind for your couple holiday, this could be a lifesaver. You can check up on your children, talk to their caretaker or nanny. Even whilst you are on your flight.
On the other hand, it will be difficult if you wanted to get ‘off the grid.’ From work, from the pressures and annoyances of daily life. After all, a good vacation really allows us to get away from every day life and routines, and give us a much-needed change.
What do you think avid travellers? Are you happy with this news or would rather stay off the grid?