A single Boeing 767 for Australian flights will be equipped to test the potential for in-flight text messaging (SMS), email: The specific plane won't be running on certain routes, and only on boarding will you know the feature is available. Voice calling will be disabled. Qantas would expand SMS and email to their fleet if the test is successful. Qantas will use an Aeromobile picocell, a tiny cell receiver, which will backhaul over Inmarsat satellite (probably third generation). A ZDNet article identifies Panasonic Avionics and Telstra as also being involved. Qantas has in-flight calling still in operation, unlike US airlines.
thats great news
I have a E61 which has Offline mode and its Impossible to convince the Air Hostess that it can switch of the antenna.
They insist me to turn it off......
oh Well...Gotta wait til the Rules are changed...