Abstract: A system and method for preventing use of cellular/PDA devices on-board a mobile platform, such as an aircraft. The system involves using the shielding of the fuselage of the aircraft to provide a first degree of signal-to-noise ratio attenuation of signals from terrestrial wireless access points entering into the interior cabin area of the aircraft. A noise floor lifter subsystem raises the noise floor level within the aircraft to provide a second degree of attenuation of the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal entering the aircraft. By using the shielding of the fuselage, communication of the cellular/PDA devices can be prevented with a lesser degree of noise floor lifting within the aircraft, thus reducing the chance of interference with terrestrial wireless access points and/or interference with important navigation or avionics subsystems within the aircraft.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively enabling and disabling wireless connectivity between cellular or PDA users on-board commercial aircraft having a shielded fuselage, and remotely located wireless access points, while the aircraft is at an airport or airfield. The system and method does not require access to an on-board LAN system of the aircraft. The system includes one or more antennae disposed in the cabin area of the aircraft that are coupled via an RF switch with an exterior antenna mounted on an exterior of the fuselage. The RF switch is controlled by a switch control subsystem, and enables or disables communication between the interior antennae and the exterior antenna. The exterior antenna is connected to the switch via a conductor that extends through the shielding of the aircraft. When the RF switch is in the closed position, cellular or PDA users can connect through the interior antennae and the exterior antenna directly to remotely located wireless access points.