Mobile users set to join the mile-high club

Passengers could soon be making mobile phone calls and sending text-messages while flying on UK-registered aircraft.

The prospect - dreaded by anyone who's winced at the shout 'I'M ON MY MOBILE' while on a packed train - follows a decision by the UK telecommunications regulator Ofcom this week.

The proposal still has to be approved by UK and European aviation bodies but as it stands it would allow passengers to start making calls and sending texts on their personal mobile phones once their plane reaches a height of 3000 metres.

Mobiles would still have to be off or in flight mode when the plane was taking off or landing for safety reasons.

"The safety of passengers is paramount and mobile systems on aircraft will only be installed when they have secured approval by the European Aviation Safety Agency and the Civil Aviation Authority in the UK," Ofcom said.

"If such approval has been secured it will be a matter for individual airlines to judge whether there is consumer demand for these services."

Passengers' mobile phones would be connected via a radio base station on board the plane but they would be billed through their normal service provider - but no doubt they can expect a hefty fee for the privilege of telling everyone and their dog that they're 'on the plane'.