Traditionally the use of cellphones and other electronic devices were banned from in-flight use due to the fear that these devices might have an impact on airplanes’ communication and navigation systems. Back in 2004 the American FCC (Federal Communications Commission – their version of ICASA) started looking into lifting the ban on in-flight voice and data services. The American FCC now, some 4 years later, gave their OK to allow in-flight data and voice services over the previously (little) used seat-back telephony frequency.

Interestingly enough, the airplane manufacturer Boeing, had launched an in-flight data (wifi) service on Lufthansa flights back in 2004 after receiving the go-ahead from the German communications and aviation authorities. This service was also later rolled out on some Asian (ANA, Japan Airlines, Korean Airlines, Singapore Air and more) and Scandinavian airlines. Br!ghtshark himself incidentally made use of this service in 2006 on a flight between Cape Town and Frankfurt (updating his travel blog from 39′000 feet), just before the service was discontinued end of 2006 (due to financial reasons – it seems that being first in the market isn’t always a sure bet).

At this stage almost all carriers, even South African Airways, are in the process of petitioning their respective aviation and communication authorities to allow onboard wifi and cellphone usage. In a market where profit margins are under severe pressure and the uptake of technology is more and more, the additional revenue which carriers can generate from add-on services could be most valuable. The South African CAA is likely to listen to the request of SAA, as they subscribe to the regulations passed on by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. The South African CAA has also indicated that the committee that considers changes and additions to flight regulations, are willing to listen and consider changes to the communication regulations.

A lot of travelers however approach this technology with some wariness, since the skies used to be one of few quiet zones were travelers could have some down-time before hitting the next meeting in the next city. Also, many a traveler is concerned about having to sit next to a person in heated conversation the entire two hour duration of a JNB-CPT flight. It is also not only the travelers that are concerned, but also the legislatures (maybe because law makers themselves are frequent travelers): in the US there is a draft bill being tabled (in typical American fashion of loving acronyms, it is called the “Halting Airplane Noise to Give Us Peace”, or HANG UP Bill) which will make voice calls illegal (sms’ and accessing the internet will still be allowed though).

With the large number of wifi-enabled devices out there (from PlayStationPortables, to Nintendo DS’ and smartphones), it is possible that market forces could outweigh the peace-and-quiet-brigade. Br!ghtshark himself would not mind to be able to listen to streaming audio and watch youtube rather than the boring seat-back entertainment, if he could be spared the incessant chatter of some Suzy discussing her make-up and pooch for a two hour long flight. Bring on the wifi!