The Washington PostThe Washington Post

Europe will soon allow phone calls on flights. Will the U.S. be next?

By James Bikales

06 Dec 2022 · 4 min read

Editor's Note

Airplane mode may well become a thing of the past. But not everyone is convinced it's a good idea to allow all passengers to search for signal within a "tin can." The Washington Post explains.

You can soon say goodbye to airplane mode - at least in Europe.

The European Commission ruled late last month to permit airlines to provide 5G connectivity to passengers on board, including for phone calls and high-speed data. E.U. member states have until the end of June 2023 to set aside 5G frequency bands for planes.

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