Cheaper inflight email

Passengers taking to the skies for United States flights could be checking email and surfing the web through high-speed internet connections in a couple of years.

And the day when travellers can chat away on cellphones while in flight might not be far behind.

The Federal Communications Commission has approved technology giving airlines what could be a cheaper option to provide internet connections.

Planes already have the option of expensive satellite-based high-speed internet service.

The commissioners also voted to solicit public comment about ending the ban on in-flight use of cellphones.