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Arsenal FC sponsor Emirates became the first airline to allow cellphone calls while in the air. The Dubai-based airline uses an AeroMobile technology that prevents cellphones from interfering with an airplane’s electronics.

Right now, the service is limited to regular cellphone calls and text messages, with BlackBerry and other data services (like iPhone) expected to be available later in the year.

There will be a few restrictions. Nighttime calling will be discouraged and phones must be kept on silent mode, thus preventing the rest of the cabin from hearing your hot ring tones.

Twenty years from now, you’ll see a question on a game show asking, “Where was the first flight that permitted a cellphone call coming from and going to??” The answer is from Dubai to Casablanca.

There is no knowledge that is not power, to quote Mortal Kombat 3.

Mobile calls on Emirates flights [BBC News]