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The European Commission (EC) has announced plans to pave the way for the use of mobile phones on board aircraft.

Following Ofcom's recent approval of the concept of air passengers being able to use their phones while in the air, the EC announced set rules to harmonise the conditions for inflight mobile use across Europe.

The EC said that 90% of European air passengers that already carry mobiles on planes will be contactable during flights.

However, Viviane Reding, the EU's telecoms commissioner, said that certain issues still need to be considered, such as operator pricing plans and conditions to prevent mobile users from disturbing other passengers.

'In-flight mobile phone services can be a very interesting new service especially for those business travellers who need to be ready to communicate wherever they are, wherever they go,' she said. 'However, if consumers receive shock phone bills, the service will not take-off.

'I also call on airlines and operators to create the right conditions on board aircraft to ensure that those who want to use in-flight communication services do not disturb other passengers.'

Some airlines and telecom companies could be ready to launch inflight mobile services later this year.

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