High-speed broadband could soon be available on flights in the UK under plans being scrutinised by the British Office of Communications (Ofcom), the regulatory and competition authority for the broadcasting, telecommunications and postal industries.
Following the publication of a consultation last week, Ofcom said that it plans to establish a framework authorising the use of high-capacity Earth Stations on Mobile Platforms (ESOMPs), vehicle-based radio transmitters or receivers, which would make possible the use of high-speed broadband on aircrafts and other means of transport, such as ships and trains, in the UK.
Ofcom expects to release a statement in December, before making licensing available for airplanes early next year.
