It now seems that Qantas and Jetstar are refusing to allow passengers to speak on their mobile phones during flights. This comes despite the Australian Communications and Media Authority saying that this practice has no effect on aircraft navigation equipment.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority, which is a watchdog for communications, just recently finalized new licensing rules. These new rules now allow mobile phones to be operated on planes with the installation of new technology. Emirates has announced that they will go ahead and allow passengers to speak on their mobile phones in flight.

However, Qantas said that it will not install the new technology, because it will irritate their passengers. After all, no one wants to be locked in a plane listening to someone talk on their cell phone.

Simon Westaway, who is a Jetstar spokesperson, said that using mobile phones on planes would be convenient for some passengers. However, on the other hand, it is going to upset many others. If a person is in an aircraft for a minimum of a couple of hours and has someone chatting away next to them, they are going to find it very difficult to enjoy the ride. They are also going to find out that it is a lot different to sit there for hours listening to a conversation than listening to someone’s conversation for a quick five minuets when on a bus or train.

He went on to say that they have done the research with their customer base. Jetstar asked if this is something that passengers would want to pay for, and most do not want to. He said that it is important to remember that, while the technology may now be available, the cost will not be low.