While many pundits have long suggested that the ban on cell phones onboard aircraft was more to with traveller comfort than malfunctioning navigation equipment it has taken until now for Ofcom to give calling a tentative thumbs up.

The technology will use an onboard pico cell that will allow communications via satellite once activated at 10,000 feet.

While this technology will require further checks from the European Aviation safety Agency for approval its no doubt a shoe-in with the prospect of obnoxious passengers trading ‘I miss you more schmoopy’ conversations coming to a context near you.