BAE Systems is at an "advanced stage of negotiations" with an unnamed non-US carrier to conduct a one-aircraft trial in the fourth quarter this year of its CabinCall system, which will allow passengers to use their mobile telephones in-flight.
The launch of the service is planned for the fourth quarter of next year.
CabinCall, which is being developed by BAE, BT Aeronautical and Mobile Services, and California-based Interwave Communications International, will allow the "safe use" of mobile phones by passengers during flight, says BAE.
The in-flight use of mobile phones is currently disallowed due to the possible interference of mobile telephone signals to avionics and other aircraft systems. CabinCall resolves the safety and operational issues of the use of cellular phones on aircraft, says BAE, by managing the volume and frequency of radio frequencies (RF) in the cabin and by inhibiting calls during critical flight phases, such as taxiing, take-off and landing.
The system involves the addition of "an inexpensive box" to the existing in-flight telephony system which acts as a telephone exchange and manages the communication links to the ground via satellite or terrestrial networks.
The unit monitors the strength of RF emissions, minimises radiated power and bars calls when they are likely to cause interference to aircraft systems, says BAE.
The Manoeuvre & Guidance Systems division of BAE Systems, Avionics Tactical Products, which is developing CabinCall, is also planning service capability growth options, such as internet browsing.
BAE's CabinCall is the latest in a series of developments in in-flight communications.
Last month, Virgin added an uplink capability to its satellite-based in-flight telephony service, whereby the in-seat telephone can assume the identity of a passenger's mobile phone.
This allows passengers to receive calls in-flight on the aircraft's telephone system (Flight International, 11-17 July).
Source: Flight International
