Greedy Air NZ to allow calls, texts on new plane

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nate

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#76826 7-Feb-2011 17:26

From Lance Wiggs' blog:

Air New Zealand is testing something which I view with grave concern.
They are testing a system that hijacks cell phones on their flights, and charging extortionate data rates along the way.

The proposal is to place a mini cell-site inside the aircraft, and have it connect to satellite. Any calls or data traffic made during the flight would attract roaming rates which are beyond the standard international extortion:

Calls will be $3.50 per minute

Inbound calls will be $2.00 per minute

Data will be $20,000 per Gigabyte

Texts will be 80 cents to send

Seems very excessive doesn't it?

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#436395 7-Feb-2011 17:28

I like it - it'll stop idiots from yacking on their cell for the entire flight.
Unless they're extremely wealthy idiots that is...
Either way, I don't mind the voice charges, but the data charges. Ouch.

johnr

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#436396 7-Feb-2011 17:29

satellites are not cheap to get into space let alone keeping them going

knoydart

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#436397 7-Feb-2011 17:29

You can see this happening on the plane...

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#436399 7-Feb-2011 17:30

I agree with the voice charges, it would be rather annoying is every 2nd person is on the phone . . .
but the data is just crazy, if I were on a plane data would be more what I would want to use rather than txt or call.

freitasm

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#436400 7-Feb-2011 17:31

Allowing in flight voice calls *IS* the worst idea ever, regardless of cost.

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#436402 7-Feb-2011 17:33

johnr: satellites are cheap to get into space let alone keeping them going

I'm sure johnr means aren't cheap.

The data charges are excessive - wonder how long it'll take until they're reasonable?

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#436404 7-Feb-2011 17:34

I'm sure emirates disabled calling services but still allowed(s?) sms.

I know Satellites are expensive to launch but its not like its being done for the first time.

Are Vodafone using their suresignal box by any chance?? (Prob not but I'm guessing its not far off)

nate

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#436405 7-Feb-2011 17:35

johnr: satellites are cheap to get into space let alone keeping them going

$20/Mb in data?! Maybe you should take a paycut to help bring this rate down

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#436406 7-Feb-2011 17:35

I can see in 6 weeks time a lead article on Campbell live now about some poor teenager or 20 something who had "no idea" and crys to the media about the bill.

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#436407 7-Feb-2011 17:35

nate: Seems very excessive doesn't it?

Seems in line with standard roaming costs to me. $20K/GByte is $19.50/MByte which is... not uncommon.

Beccara

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#436409 7-Feb-2011 17:37

Why?

I don't understand why people hold planes as some sacred place where thou shalt not talk. Trains, Bus's and Everywhere else allow you to talk and text as much as you want. Why not planes?

Has anyone considered the economic benefit that would result in less wasted man hours if a company could have its people working while in the air?

I think we dispelled the myth of them crashing planes years if not decades ago so I see no reason not to allow them

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#436411 7-Feb-2011 17:42

Beccara: Why?

I don't understand why people hold planes as some sacred place where thou shalt not talk. Trains, Bus's and Everywhere else allow you to talk and text as much as you want. Why not planes?

Because you can't get away from someone who is being loud and obnoxious on a plane. It's not like the number 50 bus where you can just jump off at the next stop. Equally the driver can't just pull the plane over and ask the obnoxious person to get off.

Everyone's sharing a thin metal tube with 150 to 500 of their not-so-closest mates, and most people can't use a cellphone quietly.

Beccara: Has anyone considered the economic benefit that would result in less wasted man hours if a company could have its people working while in the air?

I'm pretty productive on a plane precisely because people can't reach me.

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#436412 7-Feb-2011 17:42

freitasm: Allowing in flight voice calls *IS* the worst idea ever, regardless of cost.

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#436416 7-Feb-2011 17:47

Beccara: Why?

I don't understand why people hold planes as some sacred place where thou shalt not talk. Trains, Bus's and Everywhere else allow you to talk and text as much as you want. Why not planes?

Has anyone considered the economic benefit that would result in less wasted man hours if a company could have its people working while in the air?

I think we dispelled the myth of them crashing planes years if not decades ago so I see no reason not to allow them

I'm not worried about planes coming down.

I am worried about this coming to a long haul flight. Can you imagine being trapped for twelve hours having some teenager next to you talking non-stop to their friends? Or some big hitter who thinks he's the best thing since sliced bread who decides to buy/sell his stock options while you are trying to sleep?

It's not like you'd have any option. Turning to the side won't make them stop.

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#436420 7-Feb-2011 17:54

We already have to put up with those people in other modes of transport, Yes the long haul thing add's something to the mix but again why should the ignorant few that will do that rubbish stop my ability to conduct peaceful business on my laptop with a data link rather than be dead weight to my employer whilst I'm in flight.

It certainly makes my case for flights around places alot easier if I'm able to show I can work during the flights

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