May 27 2010

In-Flight SMS and Data – Telecom NZ

Today, ZDNet reported that Telecom NZ is going to allow in-flight SMS by the end of this year in addition to data services for smart phones. Interestingly, they have stopped short of offering voice services (but for an introvert like me I am quietly happy with such a decision as I would go stir crazy sitting near someone yammering non-stop for the whole flight).

At the moment, these services are subject to regulatory approval. It will be interesting to see pricing when it is released as it seems there will be a premium charge associated with high altitude SMS and data. If it is priced too high, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see phones staying in flight mode so people don’t find themselves gouged on their next bill.

Details are very thin at this stage but it will be interesting to see how this develops. It makes me wonder about all of the warnings given before take off regarding interference from mobile phone and electronic devices though. Given that  mobile communications will potentially be allowed in-flight have we been told porky pies? Surely, these expensive planes would have some form of shielding in their internal data cabling to prevent interference?

Anyway, we’ll see if we get anything similar on this side of the ditch.

Boydo

My name is Boyd and I’m a Service Management Specialist with a knack for operational data gathering, transformation, analysis and reporting.

In 2012, I obtained my Masters of Science in Information Technology through the University of New South Wales @ The Australia Defence Force Academy (UNSW@ADFA).

I was also part of an online community known as the Panasonic Insider Crew in the capacity of “Insider Guru” for Panasonic Australia where I interacted with other tech enthusiasts and find out more about Panasonic's latest gadgets.

I love technology, gadgets, and the Internet and maintain a keen interest in these areas locally, nationally, and globally. I hope by sharing my views on these topics that people will receive an honest point of view from someone with a genuine interest in these topics.

I have also written and edited articles for Neowin - you can check out my articles over @ https://www.neowin.net/news/poster/boyd_chan

I hope you enjoy reading my blog!

2 comments

1 ping

    • Grant on May 28, 2010 at 07:39
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    • Reply

    I’d use it to SMS my family if the flight was delayed. Agee I wouldn’t use it to chat.

    P.s. Maybe if they told us Pork Rolls not Pork Pies it would be easier to swallow. 😉

    1. I agree, I reckon it will have some uses such as the situation you provided. I’m still worried about the subsequent bill shock especially with data (people have and will continue to forget to put their smart phones in flight mode).

      One thing that I thought about overnight was where the demarcation between in-flight charges and standard charges occur. For instance, sitting on the tarmac just after landing when you are normally told you can turn on your mobile if refuelling is not required. Would someone be charged the in-flight rate because you are inside the aircraft?

      As for pork rolls, give me one any time!

  1. […] a previous post I wrote about how about how our friends across the ditch were getting access to inflight SMS as […]

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