COLUMBIA, Md.-Tecore Wireless Systems, a supplier of next-generation wireless systems, launched FlightCore, an in-flight, all-Internet Protocol GSM/CDMA wireless communications system for aircraft. Tecore said the FlightCore system is currently being trialed with a leading airline carrier.
Removing the ban on cell-phone use while in flight is currently being debated and considered by industry and regulators worldwide.
Combining GSM, CDMA, Wi-Fi and IP phone access, FlightCore includes a multi-protocol AirCore SoftMSC (mobile switching center) and base station. The company said the lightweight GSM network is the size of a briefcase, and combined with CDMA, the network grows to the size of a small suitcase providing voice access and full mobile functionality to handsets.
“FlightCore introduces new revenue opportunities for airlines and wireless operators, as well as provides a cost-effective alternative for subscribers instead of current airborne phones,” said Doss McComas, vice president of business development at Tecore.
While the revenue and convenience benefits of lifting the ban are obvious, the issues of security, interference and annoyance need to be addressed.
CTIA said it is mostly concerned with existing cellular services on the ground. “While the industry recognizes the consumer demand for wireless service anytime, anywhere-even while airborne-we believe it is more important to ensure wireless networks on the ground, serving more than 182 million consumers, continue operating without interference,” said CTIA President Steve Largent in a statement. “The wireless industry remains concerned about potential interference from airborne wireless usage, and until those concerns are met, we encourage the FCC to examine this issue further and obtain more information on technical solutions to terrestrial interference.”
The Association of Flight Attendants/Communications Workers of America and the National Consumers League also have weighed in on the subject.
“Just think about being confined inside an aluminum tube several thousand feet above the ground with no place to go to get away from the person next to you, across the aisle, in front or in back of you chatting away on his cell phone. It is noisy inside those airplanes, and people are going to have to speak-or feel as if they have to speak-louder in order to be able to be heard,” said Patricia Friend, international president of the AFA/CWA.
Almost two-thirds of the AFA/CWA survey participants wanted to keep the ban on cell-phone use while in flight in place.
