Europe Gives Go-ahead for 3G and 4G Use On Planes

Europe's Aviation Safety Agency just this week announced plans to allow the use of personal electronic devices during all stages of flight. Now, the European Commission has said it will allow the use of spectrum for 3G and 4G during flights.

This is separate from the EASA's plans to issue guidance on the use of electronic devices during take off and landing by the end of the month. Europe says that in response to passenger demand, airlines will now be allowed to develop and deploy in-flight Internet services. Though it's up to the airline which services they offer, the EC says email and text are what the people want. The airlines will be using the 2100 MHz band for UMTS/3G and the 1800 MHz band for LTE/4G.

In-flight WiFi is something US flights have had for the last couple of years. If EU airlines decide to offer 3G and 4G broadband services, European travelers will finally be able to access email, social networks and surf the web once planes hit 3,000 feet.

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Jane McEntegart is a writer, editor, and marketing communications professional with 17 years of experience in the technology industry. She has written about a wide range of technology topics, including smartphones, tablets, and game consoles. Her articles have been published in Tom's Guide, Tom's Hardware, MobileSyrup, and Edge Up.