Virgin Atlantic launches in-flight cell use

Virgin Atlantic will soon allow passengers to use their cell phones during flights, but don't expect your phone-free fuselage to be replaced with coffeehouse clatter.

The airline announced today it would allow passengers to make in-flight phone calls, send and receive texts, check e-mail, and surf the Web via general packet radio service from the comfort of the their seats inside A330 Airbus planes. The airline hopes to expand the service to 20 planes, including Boeing 747s that are being retrofitted, by the end of the year, the company said in a press release.

"We have listened to what customers want and connectivity in the air is always on the wish list," Virgin Atlantic Chief Operating Officer Steve Griffiths said in a statement. "Many people will have experienced that moment when you're about to take off on a 10-hour flight and you need to send an important message to the office, or even reminding a family member to feed the cat."

However, that privilege will not be cheap: Virgin will charge about $1.20 per minute for access, and access to the service will be limited to six passengers at a time.

"The service is intended for use in exceptional situations, when passengers need to send an SMS, make a quick call, or access an e-mail on a BlackBerry," the company said in a statement.

Customers of Telefonica's O2 and Vodafone networks will be the only ones to have access, at least initially. And, of course, cell use will be verboten on take-offs, landings, and within 250 miles of U.S. airspace.

The service, which will be powered by AeroMobile, will join British Airways and a handful of Middle Eastern airlines in offering cell access.

Source: cnet