Air passengers could soon be able to use their mobile phones onboard aircraft under proposals unveiled today by telecoms watchdog, Ofcom.

Licensed airline companies would install a special onboard base station to enable passengers to call, send texts and surf the internet using their own mobile handsets.

Airlines would link up with mobile phone operators, such as Vodafone or Orange, to offer a service. The passenger would be billed in the normal way.

Services could be up and running by next year.

Europe has already given the go-ahead for the use of the necessary airwaves for mobile use on planes. Each member state is now deciding how a system will work. Ofcom's plans apply to UK registered aircraft.

Athough some flight operators have special onboard phone services, the use of passengers' own mobile telephones is currently not permitted on aircraft across Europe. One reason given is potential interference with plane systems.

The prospect of mobile phones on planes has already raised serious concerns from some consumer groups. They fear that one of the final bastions of peace will be spoiled by incessant chatter.

However, in its consultation document Ofcom says that it would fall to the airline companies to handle this issue and to decide if the consumer and commercial benefits outweigh any downsides.

Another concern is that mobile companies could charge huge mark-ups for using handsets on board.

Ofcom warned today that it would investigate any complaints of high charges.

In anticipation of the rules changing some mobile phone companies have already developed their own in-flight systems and started trials.

Ofcom is just one of several bodies, including the Civil Aviation Authority and European air authorities which must give approval for in-flight services

The services will initially be available only on 2G handsets.

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