AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

The US Federal Aviation Administration has said that there are still major challenges to resolve before airline passengers are be able to use their mobile phones during flights.

Airlines would have to show that each model of phone posed no threat to their aircraft navigation or communications systems, the FAA's Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety has said.

If testing and verification is undertaken by an airline to show that there are no in-flight interference problems from mobile phone use, the devices would be allowed.

The US Federal Communications Commission proposed in December last year to remove the ban on air passengers using their phones provided that such use is technically feasible and does not overwhelm ground-based networks, reports Reuters.

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