Ringing cell phones coming to a EU flight near you

Following six months of studies, the EU is finally ready to move forward with allowing in-flight cellular calls within the next month or so.

Once the plane has reached an altitude of 3,000 meters (9,850 feet), calls will be permitted. An on-board cellular tower of sorts will handle the calls, and then transfer them to the network on the ground.

Calls would be able to be made across the EU without any need for an airliner to get separate permission from each of the countries it flies over through the program. This will allow airlines to offer uninterrupted service when it is within European airspace.

Even with this boost from the governmental bodies, this does not mean service will be automatic. The European Aviation Safety Agency still needs to give approval for any installed system.

Also, flight captains will be given the authority to shut off the systems if they feel it necessary, and regulators urged airlines to keep prices low, and remember those who may not want to be disturbed by chatty passengers.

"In-flight mobile phone services can be a very interesting new service especially for those business travelers who need to be ready to communicate wherever they are, wherever they go," telecom commissioner Vivane Reding said.

The first flights with the technology will likely be through Air France and Ryanair, who are already prepared to submit applications.