December 2005 EC077 - ETNO Expert Contribution on GSM onboard aircraft (GSMOB aircraft)

ETNO generally supports the possibility to facilitate the use of mobile handsets onboard aircraft, but considers that a number of issues need to be solved before an introduction of GSMOB aircraft can take place.

ETNO generally supports the possibility to facilitate the use of mobile handsets onboard aircraft, but considers that a number of issues need to be solved before an introduction of GSMOB aircraft can take place.


ETNO generally supports the possibility to facilitate the use of mobile handsets onboard aircraft, but considers that a number of issues need to be solved before an introduction of GSMOB aircraft can take place. These issues comprise the technical coexistence with existing mobile networks, plus operational and regulatory aspects.
Coexistence studies shall take into account terrestrial mobile networks based upon existing technologies - as well as technologies most likely to be launched within a couple of years - within all relevant frequency bands. Airborne mobile communication systems shall not cause harmful interference to such networks.
A worldwide harmonised solution with regard to operation and regulation should be the aim.
Alternative technologies for airborne systems should also be studied. However, those studies should not delay the analysis of the requirements necessary to establish a viable coexistence between GSMOB and the terrestrial mobile networks.