Ryanair has outfitted 20 planes with a system to enable GSM/GPRS calls and text messages. In the most basic terms, they have created separate network and have roaming agreements with other carriers.  The rates are likely to be pretty hefty – some guidelines are in the region of €2 – €3 per minute for calls and €0.50 for text messages – which should dissuade the inane chatter a bit. Incoming text messages are supposedly free, but I don’t know how that works with US carriers who charge for incoming calls and messages. I also have no idea if the provider has agreements with US carriers.

For now, the planes are based in Dublin, with more being added all the time. Maybe I’ll get to check it out in the summer.