In-Flight VOIP Coming Soon

hdtv writes "U.S. airline customers are likely to be thrilled with an opportunity to sit next to someone constantly chatting on the phone. Information Week magazine is reporting that government auction is opening a way for telecoms to introduce voice-over-IP links on in-flight communication systems." From the article: "Airfone already offers phone service on many flights, but its high cost has limited its use. JetBlue has declined to say what its LiveTV LCC unit would do with a winning frequency. Although many frequent flyers and airline attendants favor a ban on the phone chatter, Connexion by Boeing, whose Internet service is already offered on nearly 200 international flights a day, notes that there have been no complaints of in-cabin incidents about the technology. The Connexion service is regularly used by passengers to make VoIP calls. "

Re:Seriously Now

[NitsujTPU]

It's not possible mid-flight to walk out of a plane in disgust.

That's not true at all. The difficulty arises upon trying to return to the plane.

Re:Seriously Now

[fish waffle]

The problem with these potential yak-fests by seatmates and by nearby or loud passengers is being unable to escape from them.

Indeed, and with airplanes being very noisy environments people will talk even louder. The key then is to force them to have/want to escape from you. The return of the BFR/boombox? Inexplicable bouts of Tourettes? Ah, to be able to fart at will...

Re:Pfff, it is very simple

[senatorpjt]

Honestly, I welcome the prospect of having everyone talking on phones, maybe it'll drown out the sound of the screaming brat I always end up having to listen to for six hours on every flight I've ever been on.