GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – The EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) is now allowing airlines to authorize use of cell phones gate-to-gate, the organization said Friday 26 September.

The new ruling allows airlines to begin the assessment process to determine how they will ensure safety while allowing devices to be used, which means implementing the new regulation could take time. It is also likely to vary from one airline to another.

The EASA in a statement Friday says:

“Airlines can also allow the use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) throughout the flight, after a safety assessment process. As a result, passengers will be able to use their PEDs just like in any other mode of transport: throughout the trip.

The new guidance allows airlines to permit PEDs to stay switched on, without the need to be in ‘Airplane Mode’. This is the latest regulatory step towards enabling the ability to offer ‘gate-to-gate’ telecommunication or WiFi services.

PEDs include any kind of electronic device brought on board the aircraft by a passenger such as smartphone, tablet, laptop, e-reader, MP3 player, etc.”