Emirates readies AeroMobile's $3/min in-flight mobile service

Link: Cellphones on planes are almost a reality – International Herald Tribune

Emirates, the Dubai-based airline, installed satellite-based technology enabling voice calls and text messaging on one of its Boeing 777 jets late last year and expects to begin offering the service to passengers on a yet-to-be announced international route early next month.

The service has already obtained approval from air safety and telecommunications regulators in 25 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, covering about 30 different routes that Emirates flies. The carrier expects to outfit its entire fleet with the technology within a couple of years.

Tons more details at the above linked article.

Dear me. Whilst I applaud the concept, I’m not sure I want to be stuck in a metal tube with …

I’M ON THE PLANE, YES! YES! I KNOW! I’M SITTING IN THE AIR. IT’S AMAZIN’!

… people chatting for hours. Though, at $3/min, you’re going to really have to talk quickly 😉

If you’re not looking forward to this either, I recommend some Shure e4c sound isolating headphones and an iPod.