Originally Posted by
mikew99
I would be naive for anybody to think that any such blocking will work for long. Of course, AA has to officially state that they are blocking it, but I'm betting that it will take only a day or two before someone finds a way around that. Prepare for more loud conversations as people strain to be overheard above the cabin noise!
It's not naive thinking.
First - the company boasts on their website that until the day that FAA or FCC(not sure) approves cellphone usage, they have a very easy way of blocking VoIP. I'm not much of a techie but a good friend that is explained to me that it has something to do with intermitten bursts, enough for quick internet access and usage but totally useless for voice transmission. Maybe others can expend on that theory.
Aircell believes in keeping a quiet, peaceful atmosphere in the cabin and will not offer it as a service
http://www.aircell.com/index.php?opt...mid=318&L3=how
Second - the airline(s) can make it a policy that using Skype or similar services during a flight is prohibited. Smoking is also possible but you don't see anybody doing it on the plane.