Ofcom has said that it will now allow airlines to use radio spectrum to relay calls from planes to mobile networks using specialised on-board equipment. Phone users will connect to the equipment on the plane which will then connect to their own networks.
The regulator, though, has said that it is not in control of the likely prices to be charged and that these could prove a shock for users.
"Ofcom is concerned about this issue as tariffs may well be high relative to other mobile communication services and there is a danger that consumers will receive unexpectedly high bills," said the regulator. "Ofcom will monitor this situation closely."
No systems will be introduced unless they have been approved by air safety bodies the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency.
"[They] are responsible for aircraft safety and their requirements must be satisfied before [mobile] services can be introduced. Ofcom’s authorisation of spectrum use does not create any presumption that [mobile] services will or should be permitted by the aviation safety authorities," said Ofcom in a statement.
Air passengers have long been told that use of their mobile phones will interfere with the operation of the aircraft, but Ofcom said that new systems now exist which allow for the safe operation of phones.
Phone use will only be allowed over heights of 3,000 metres and when explicit permission has been given by pilots and cabin crew.
After a consultation process in which it discussed the use of mobiles on planes Ofcom has also identified worries about the possibility of disruptive and anti-social behaviour by mobile users on planes.
"Some of the responses to the consultation also raised concerns about passenger welfare and the potential for discomfort, anti-social behaviour and “air rage” on board," said the Ofcom statement. "At an operational level, such considerations fall to the airlines and Ofcom notified the CAA of the non-confidential comments received during the consultation and passed comments on to them."
The system will connect with phone networks on the ground via a satellite. An on-board base station will connect to the plane's existing satellite system. The signal will be bounced to a satellite and then to the ground, where it will connect with the normal telephone system.
Ofcom said that the on-board base station would not be switched on until the aircraft reached a height of 3,000 metres, and that it would be under the control of the cabin crew.