The European Union (EU) is set to make it mandatory for airlines to equip their aircraft with 5G connectivity. This is part of a new EU plan in which airlines are obliged to install the latest 5G technology on their aircraft to amplify coverage to passengers, meaning that those flying in Europe no longer have to turn on airplane mode as their devices will always be connected to their respective cellular network.
Speaking of the plan, EU Commissioner Thierry Breton announced that ”the sky is no longer a limit when it comes to possibilities offered by super-fast, high-capacity connectivity”. Moreover, Breton lauded 5G connectivity as something that would enable innovative services for people and growth opportunities for European companies.
According to The Telegraph, passenger phones will be connected to masts on the ground during low-altitude flights. As for flights on higher altitudes, airlines must install a ‘pico-cell’ inside their aircraft which will be used to amplify the 5G signal. Through this network station, telephone calls, text messages and data traffic can be sent via a satellite network to a mobile network on the ground.
Currently, airlines do provide internet connectivity to passengers via WiFi services. However, passengers are normally required to pay extra for internet access and service is usually only available on longer-haul flights. However, with this new regulation, passengers in Europe can simply connect with their existing 5G data plans without the need to pay their airlines for WiFi.
Of course, given how Malaysia is still in the early stages of developing a 5G network infrastructure, don’t expect such a regulation to be introduced in our country anytime soon. So, what do you guys think of this new EU regulation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Also read: Perak MB: 5G Network Coverage In The State To Reach 80% By 2024
