Mobile phone use in flight may soon be allowed across Australia after the latest ruling from the national communications watchdog. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) approved the use of phones after consultation with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Phones were initially banned onboard flights due to possible interference with navigation equipment. However, new technology has changed that.

Chris Chapman, ACMA's spokesman, says that the decision on what services can be used is now up to the airlines.

"Whether they have simple tweeting or data download availability or allow full-scale voice-calls, which is the matter that probably would irk a lot of people understandably, that's a matter entirely for the airlines," he said.

However, Chapman adds that airlines must first install a special on-board system that relays mobile signals to take advantage of the capability.

"This particular technology, which was the one applied for, has been approved and that will give the optionality, if you like, to the airlines."

The system cannot carry more than multiple signal providers. This means that phone use could be limited to one telecommunications network.

Only one carrier, Aeromobile, a subsidiary of Norwegian telco Telenor, is able to provide the service. The service cost the same as international roaming charges even if texts are sent in domestic skies.