Ericsson debuts in-flight GSM cellphone base station
Wireless device manufacturer Ericsson is putting out a new base station for in-flight usage, allowing air travelers to use their GSM cellphones on planes. The RBS 2708 base station avoids interference with the aircraft's electronic systems, routing the calls to satellite to establish the wireless connection. The base stations will be available in 2006 at a price of about $131,000 per plane, but Ericsson will be battling upstream against a slew of groups who have no interest in lifting the in-flight cellphone ban — they'll have to slug it out with the flight attendants, astronomers and Homeland Security first.
