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The use of mobile phones on flights has moved a step closer following a ruling by UK communications watchdog Ofcom.

UK aircraft operators are now able to apply for licences to install equipment on their planes that enables the safe use of mobile phones.

Until now, mobiles have been banned on aircraft as their signals interfere with navigation equipment. However, the recent invention of small onboard telephone masts appears to have solved this problem.

One aspect of in-flight mobile use that customer should be aware of, Ofcom warned, is the potentially high cost.

A statement from the office said: 'Tariffs may well be high relative to other mobile communication services and there is a danger that consumers will receive unexpectedly high bills.

'Ofcom will be talking to all concerned parties to understand what steps can be taken to ensure consumers understand the costs of making calls from on board an aircraft. Ofcom will monitor this situation closely.'

Approval of the initiative is required from EU regulators and the UK Civil Aviation Authority before holidaymakers are given full permission to use their phones on aircraft.

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