Scandanavian airline relaxes cell-phone ban

Oakland Tribune, Apr 27, 2003 by Associated Press

STOCKHOLM, Sweden -- Travelers itching to use their cell phones in flight can do so on Scandinavian Airlines though rules against gabbing while flying remain in effect.

The Scandinavian carrier said the decision was made possible by a new crop of smart cell phones equipped with "flight-safe" mode.

A phone in that mode can't send or receive cellular signals and won't affect the plane, thus complying with U.S. and other regulations banning cell phones in flight, the airline said. That means there's no talking, sending e-mail or accessing the Internet in flight. But users can listen to music or compose e-mail for sending when they land.

Phones with flight-safe mode include the Sony Ericsson P800, which boasts PDA features and a built-in digital camera, and Nokia's 9290 Communicator, which opens on a hinge that runs the length of its six- inch case, converting it into a Lilliputian laptop computer. The airline consulted with several cell phone makers in pushing the flight-safe mode. So far, only Sweden's Ericsson and Finland's Nokia have models that feature it. Other manufacturers are expected to make it available later this year. Adoption of the technology is not surprising given that Scandinavian is the national carrier for Sweden, Denmark and Norway, all countries that heavily embrace new technology. The airline flies to more than 90 destinations worldwide.