FAQs

Who is AeroMobile™?

Is it safe? Why can we now use phones in-flight?

How does it work?

When can I use the service?

What should I see on my device?

How much does it cost?

Considerations when using data?

AeroMobile is an on-board GSM mobile network for making calls, texting and using mobile data whilst in-flight.

The AeroMobile system has been designed to allow the safe use of mobile devices onboard the aircraft. You can only use your mobile phone onboard an aircraft which has been equipped with the AeroMobile Network. Specially certified hardware has been installed inside this aircraft to make it safe to use mobile phones in-flight.

You can use your own phone, tablet, or laptop as long as it supports GSM mobile connectivity. Think of the plane as visiting another country. You will need to have roaming enabled and roaming charges apply. There’s no registration or subscription, just turn on your phone and connect.

The cabin crew will make an announcement to let you know when you can turn your phone on and use the service. The AeroMobile network becomes available when the aircraft has reached 6000 metres above the ground. The network is available throughout the cruise phase of the flight but phones must be switched off for take-off and landing.

Once you’ve turned on your device you should connect to the AeroMobile network fairly quickly. AeroMobile will be displayed as the network provider and you will receive a welcome text message. You can now make and receive calls, texts, email and browse just as you would on the ground.

When in-flight, roaming costs apply. These costs are set by your operator and vary between providers. In general, calls cost between US$3 – US$6 per minute and sending an SMS messages costs about US$1. GPRS data rates are approximately US$30 per MB. Any costs will appear on your existing mobile phone bill, just as it does when roaming abroad.

Different devices typically use different amounts of data. Standard phones use the least, then Smartphones, then tablets and finally laptops. Blackberry devices are more data efficient than iPhones or Android phones.

Different activities also use different amounts of data. (In order of data use, least is instant messaging, followed by email, browsing, streaming music, applications and finally streaming video.)

Note: Some applications send and receive data in the background (i.e. emails, weather updates, etc….) this can usually be managed within the application settings.