Stefan Mileschin

Canada has relaxed official restrictions on using mobile devices in flight.

The move follows the lead of the United States and the European Union while maintaining a ban on transmitting information.

Transport Minister Lisa Raitt said air passengers could now use smartphones, cameras, electronic games, tablets and computers throughout a flight. Under current Canadian rules, all such devices must be shut down during takeoff and landing.

Passengers, however, can use their new freedom if the airline they are flying on updates their safety manuals and can guarantee that during takeoff and landings all passengers are able to follow crew instructions.

Raitt also said the ban on sending or receiving e-mails and phone calls in flight would remain in place.

The US Federal Aviation Administration announced similar measures for users of personal electronic devices last October and the European Union followed in December.

http://news.techeye.net/business/can...e-on-in-flight