Qualcomm and Connexion announced Monday that they have successfully tested in-flight mobile calls using CDMA and GSM standards. The tests were conducted on Connexion One, a Boeing 737.

Passengers on the test flight were able to use BREW®-based data applications via QUALCOMM’s BREW solution. The BREW solution enables users to download business applications, 3D games, information and communication applications such as email and instant messenger wirelessly, over the air. Passengers also downloaded and watched video clips and made phone calls on a variety of mobile devices including 3G mobile phones. The data tests were conducted over CDMA2000 1X and CDMA2000 1xEV-DO and voice calls were made over CDMA2000 and GSM. — Qualcomm

Calls are relayed from a picocell on the airplane via satellite to ground stations.

While the technology works, it remains to be seen whether airline passengers will put up with it. A recent IDC poll has indicated that most people don’t want to be bothered by people around them talking on their cell phones in flight. Only 11% of respondents supported lifting the ban on cell phone use. And it’ll take a while longer, still, to get regulatory approval. A House Subcomittee on Aviation report from July explores these issues further.