nelson@WEBSTR.DEC (I'll bring the chips) (10/08/85)
Recently I had a chance to use the new telephone systems that are being
installed in commercial airline's passenger planes. I thought I'd make a brief
report to this forum, in case someone is interested.
The equipment I used was manufactured by Airfone, Inc., 2809 Butterfield Road,
Oak Brook, IL 60521. The phone is cordless and is mounted in a special holder.
On this particular plane, there were two phones; one in the front of the cabin,
one at the rear.
The holder contains a slot in which a credit card can be inserted. Credit
cards which are accepted: Master Card, American Express, VISA, and Diners
Club. A door slides down over the credit card, and locks. Then the message
"Please wait" is displayed on the holder's one-line message window. (The
display similar to the vending machines which display how much money you've
deposited in them.)
At this point the equipment attempts to make contact with a ground station, and
verify the credit card you've inserted. If the connection is not made within
30 seconds, the message "System timeout" appears, and the credit card door
unlocks, sliding open to reveal your credit card.
After connection is established, a go-ahead message is displayed, and the
handset lock is released, allowing you to remove the handset and take it to
your seat, if you wish.
You then press the "DIAL TONE" button on the handset. A computerized voice
says "Thank you for using Airfone. Please wait for dial tone." A few seconds
later, the tone sounds. You dial your number (slowly, according to the
instructions), and your call is placed.
After your call is complete, press the "HANG UP" button on the handset to
terminate the call. You can then make another, or return the handset to the
holder, which will unlock your credit card.
The cost of a call is $7.50 for the first 3 minutes, and $1.50 for each
additional minute. The rates are the same, regardless of where you call. Only
calls in the continental United States and Canada are permitted.
Sound quality was surprisingly good. I was amazed at how well I could hear, and
at how well others could hear me. The connection was no worse than any I've had
while on the ground.
It was fun to talk to someone in a plane; I did it for the novelty, more than
anything else; I predict most of its use will be for things like calling the
office for messages, or calling friends to let them know your ETA.
JENelson
Mon 7-Oct-1985 21:44 EDT