Europe Approves 3G and LTE Broadband on Flights The European Commission has granted airlines permission to offer passengers 3G and LTE networks in flight.

By Lyneka Little

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

A day after approving the use of personal devices during takeoff and landing, European regulators have given the green light to the use of 3G and LTE networks in flight.

The European Commission gave permission for airlines to offer passengers 3G and LTE service aboard aircraft altitude of 3,000 meters, or just over 9,800 feet. Before this, only 2G had been allowed on board aircraft flying in the EU.

This means that passengers on aircraft that permit it can deactivate airplane mode once they're above the required altitude and start using their phones as if they were on the ground, according to a statement.

The changes do not automatically making surfing the Web and sending large attachments a customer right. The move gives airlines permission to set the rules on tablet and smartphone usage aboard their aircraft.

The decision comes a day after the European Aviation Safety Agency announced the approval of the use of personal electronic devices such as tablets, smartphones, e-readers and mp3 players on aircraft during all phases of flight if placed in "flight mode" or "airplane mode." The EASA currently allows PEDs on aircrafts except when landing, taxiing or taking off.

The decision is in line with a similar change by the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States that will allows passengers to read e-books, play games, and watch videos on their devices during all phases of flight.

Related: These Airlines Now Allow Expanded Use of Personal Electronic Devices


Is a freelance writer in New York. She's written about personal finance and small business for such publications as The Wall Street Journal, MainStreet.com, Walletpop.com, People magazine. She also works as a freelance producer covering money at ABCNews.com. Little attended Howard University where she studied journalism. She loves drinking wine and tweeting, preferably at the same time. Follow Little on Twitter @Lyneka.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

This Couple Started a Side Hustle to Improve a 'Terribly Made' Bathroom Essential. Now the Business Earns More Than $3 Million a Year.

Michael Fine and Lisa Schulner-Fine launched lifestyle brand Quiet Town in 2016 and have been growing it ever since.

Leadership

Lead From the Top: 5 Core Responsibilities of a CEO

Knowing exactly what the chief executive's role entails is critical for steering a company to success.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

What's Open on Easter Sunday? Costco and Target Will Close, But One Major Retailer Will Be Open. Here's What To Know.

The stock market was closed for Good Friday on April 18. Here's what's closed for Easter Sunday, April 20.

Science & Technology

Your Clients Are Using AI to Replace You — Do These 3 Things Before They Do

Harness these three steps to audit, evolve and future-proof your offer before AI replaces you.

Marketing

If You're Using ChatGPT This Way as a Marketer, You're Missing Out on Its Full Potential. Here's How to Maximize Your Results.

The real value of AI isn't in what you ask — it's in how you shape the conversation. Mastering prompt interactions means better content, sharper thinking and fewer generic outputs.