GSM On-Board Aircraft John Mettrop Directorate of Airspace Policy Presented By John Mettrop Directorate of Airspace Policy Surveillance & Spectrum Management
What Is GSM On-Board Aircraft Allows the use of mobile phones on board aircraft Consists of Noise floor lifter GSM Pico-cell Satellite communications link
How Does it Work? BTS = Base Transceiver Station NCU = Network Control Unit AGS = Aircraft GSM Server
Bands Controlled Connectivity: Control: Future Control: 1710-1785 MHz and 1805-1880 MHz (GSM1800) Control: 876-915 MHz and 921-960 MHz (GSM900 including GSM-R) 1920-1980 MHz and 2110-2170 MHz (UMTS UTRA- FDD 2GHz) Future Control: IMT extension bands
History First brought to ICAO’s attention in 2004 Sept 2006, FMG recommend delay of approval until all issues are resolved Dec 2006 EANPG adopt FMG recommendation State letter issued by ICAO Paris office ECC decision on GSM on-board aircraft Qantas aircraft starts flight trials June 2007 Airbus A318 tale number MSN 3009 approved for operational trials in France
Issues Identified (1) Technical Aeronautical Radio Regulatory Interference to On-Board Radio Systems Effect of Failure Modes on PSU Need for the Jammer to be turned on during Take of and Landing Radio Regulatory Protection of Ground network Applicability over countries and control of the units
Issues Identified (2) Operational When will the phones have to be switched off How this can be ensured through airline procedures for announcements etc Applicability between different fleets and aircraft in fleets Identification of different types of phones Interference with/attention to safety messages
Issues Identified (3) Human Factors Air Rage Passengers who do not want to hear others using phones Those who want to use their phones but cannot Understanding differences in usage according to aircraft/airline/region Turning phones off during take-off and landing
Issues Identified (4) Others Applicability in Europe of EU ruling on roaming charges Implication for other systems
Where are We Now? 1 Air France Aircraft fitted but not flying 1 Qantas aircraft fitted and flying Positive feedback from Qantas trial Interest from a number of other airlines Emirates Ryanair Etc European Commission to hold a Workshop on the issue (3/10/07)