Boeing, Qualcomm to Test In-Flight Calling
Aug 8, 2005, 2:35 PM by (staff)
Boeing and Qualcomm will cooperate on installing and testing airborne cellular service on a prototype 737-400. Boeing already offers Connexion high speed internet service for planes and would like to expand this to cellular service as well. The test flights will serve both as a proving grounds for the new technology, as well as a platform to improve public opinion of in-flight calling. The companies will run the test through September, and hope to offer the service commercially sometime next year. Even if this service becomes available, it may be limited inside the US due to the Federal Aviation Administration's continued ban on in-flight use of wireless devices.