I seem to recall being on a flight about a year ago on which mobile phone use was permitted (LHR-DXB on a 773 iirc). Upon asking the FAs, I was told the service would be gradually introduced across the fleet. However, I've just realised I've heard nothing more of this - indeed, a quick search of these forums turns up nothing more recent than mid-'08.

Have these plans been scrapped? Seems a pity: even if not calls, in-flight text messages could be rather useful; and the cabin ambience didn't seem affected at all - everyone seemed courteous enough to switch their phones to silent.