Starlink Wi-Fi Makes In-Flight Calls Possible, Sparking Noise Complaints
United bans voice and video calls, while Qatar Airways, Emirates and British Airways allow them and ask passengers to use headsets.
Airlines are adopting Starlink satellite internet in growing numbers, and the faster connection is enough to support video conferences and voice calls in the air. The change has brought complaints from passengers about noise and calls for new rules, according to WSJ.
Carriers are handling the issue differently. United Airlines bans voice and video calls under its own terms of service. The FCC bans in-flight voice calls made over mobile networks, but its prohibition does not cover calls placed over Wi-Fi.
Qatar Airways, Emirates and British Airways allow voice and video calls over Starlink. Those airlines ask passengers to use headsets and to keep their voices down.
A bill to restrict in-flight calls is being pushed in the US Congress.
Earlier passenger reports
Christopher Mosby saw a passenger on a United Airlines flight from Chicago to Denver using Starlink Wi-Fi for a work video conference earlier this year. Oliver Louis, a Qatar Airways passenger, experienced a passenger making a work call for about two hours.
Quick answers
Can you make voice calls on a plane using Starlink Wi-Fi?
Some airlines allow it. Qatar Airways, Emirates and British Airways permit voice and video calls over Starlink and ask passengers to use headsets and keep their voices down. United Airlines bans voice and video calls under its own terms of service.
Does the FCC ban in-flight voice calls?
The FCC bans in-flight voice calls made over mobile networks, but not calls made over Wi-Fi.
Is legislation on in-flight calls being considered?
A bill to restrict in-flight calls is being pushed in the US Congress.