Frequently asked questions:

1) What is AeroMobile™?
ARINC and Telenor have developed an exciting new service called AeroMobile – a safe, cost effective solution allowing passengers to use their mobile phones and PDA’s whilst in flight. AeroMobile allows the use of GSM phones and can also support GPRS mobile data (for BlackBerry’s etc), Wi-Fi, CDMA and 3G/UMTS.

AeroMobile comprises an aircraft cabin ‘pico cell’ system that interfaces with the aircraft’s air-to-ground communications systems, typically a satellite-based system. Once transmitted to the ground, signals are sent to AeroMobile’s ground system and on to the destination mobile phone and telecoms networks around the world.

2) Is AeroMobile appropriate to any aircraft type?
Yes, AeroMobile is appropriate to narrow and wide-bodied aircraft. Airbus, Boeing and other aircraft types are all supported.

3) What aircraft-to-ground communications systems will be used?
AeroMobile is able to work with all air-to-ground satellite communications systems. Uniquely this includes the current Inmarsat “Classic” L-band satellite system already installed on over 2,000 airliners today, including virtually all long haul airliners. Today, using the Inmarsat Classic satellite system AeroMobile supports GSM voice telephone and SMS text messaging services, and GPRS mobile data using Inmarsat’s Swift64. The same AeroMobile aircraft hardware supports higher bandwidth satellite systems as they become available (e.g. Inmarsat SwiftBroadband or Ku-band services). AeroMobile is a completely future proofed solution!

4) Is it necessary to take an aircraft out of service to install AeroMobile?
No, an AeroMobile installation can be completed during routine aircraft maintenance activities.

5) When will AeroMobile be available?
AeroMobile services will commence from mid 2007 with initial launch routes aligned with telecommunication industry regulatory approvals.

6) Has AeroMobile been proven in flight?
Yes. Significantly, AeroMobile formed part of the Boeing “Going the Distance Tour” in Summer 2005 and was flown on Boeing’s own 777-200LR demonstration aircraft to over 20 countries , and also on the World’s longest flight by a commercial airliner made by that aircraft in November 2005. The AeroMobile system was operated for testing purposes in accordance with the necessary regulatory licensing agreements obtained for the flights.

7) Will my phone interfere with the aircraft systems?
No, the AeroMobile system is designed so that it does not affect any other aircraft systems or sub systems by controlling all mobile phones on the aircraft so that they operate at the minimum power level. The installation and operation of the AeroMobile system requires aviation certification approval from the appropriate airworthiness authority to allow safe and appropriate operation during flight.

8) Will I be able to use my own personal mobile phone onboard the aircraft?
Yes, you will be able to use your own mobile phone just as you would when roaming abroad. AeroMobile is initially launching with GSM phone compatibility.

9) Will my phone need to be international enabled to use AeroMobile?
Yes. AeroMobile is just another country within the existing international mobile phone network. As is the case on the ground, any international roaming between countries requires the phone to be international roaming enabled.

10) Can I use my 3G mobile onboard the aircraft?
Yes, 3G capable mobile phones will be able to use the GSM based services just as they would on the ground.

11) When will I be able to use my phone during flight?
Use of mobile phones will be permitted during the cruise phase of flight only, consistent with existing guidelines for use of portable electronic devices. The exact details of use will be determined by the individual airline.

12) How will social issues be managed during quiet times, such as night flights?
We have conducted extensive research into the social aspects of mobile phone usage. This research has been carefully considered in the development of AeroMobile. Cabin crew will have complete control of the system in flight and have the ability to enable and disable services as desired. For example this may mean discrete “text only” services during night time flights.

AeroMobile also believes very strongly in promoting an appropriate ‘etiquette’ for use of mobile phone services on aircraft. This includes passengers switching their phones to silent or vibrate mode and using the phone in a reasonable and considerate way. This situation is very similar to use of mobile phones in restaurants and cinemas on the ground.

13) Will I be able to make and receive telephone calls?
Yes, you will be able to make and receive calls just as you would on the ground. Caller ID will also function as normal.

14) Will I be able to send and receive text messages?
Yes, you will be able to send and receive text messages just as you would on the ground.

15) Is GPRS supported?
Yes, AeroMobile supports GPRS and all other IP based services (e.g. internet). More applications will become possible once higher speed satellite communications services become available.

16) How much will the service cost?
The cost of making a call and sending a text message is comparable with international GSM roaming tariffs.

17) Will I have to subscribe to use the service?
No, additional subscription is not needed. Simply switch your mobile phone on in-flight to access GSM services, just as you would when traveling abroad. You will be billed via your existing mobile phone service provider.

18) How will I get billed?
The cost of making calls and sending text messages will appear on your existing mobile phone bill, just as it does when roaming abroad.

19) I understand that AeroMobile uses the aircraft satellite system. Will satellite delays effect the service?
Although users may experience a very slight voice delay when making calls over the satellite link, this is no different from many telecoms services in use today which also use satellite communications. Indeed, many users of AeroMobile have not noted any delay during usage.

SMS text messaging & data services are not affected by this phenomenon.

21) What level of voice quality can I expect?
The quality of voice calls through AeroMobile is similar to any other GSM network. “……….I was absolutely amazed with the quality, I was having dinner in a restaurant in Montreal when I received the call, I exchanged text messages and rang a colleague back on the plane………“ was the comment from one aviation industry VP that has experienced AeroMobile.

22) Will bad weather effect service?
No, bad weather will not affect AeroMobile service levels. Cabin crew may ask that passengers switch their phones off, however, during turbulence for personal safety reasons.

For any further enquires please contact us at:
info@aeromobile.net