Yes, in today’s world we cannot live without mobiles phones.

But, in reply to your leader “Silence, please” (TMID, 9 May) I would like to point out that the use of mobile phones should continue to be restricted on aeroplanes. I do not think it is such a good idea to keep mobile phones switched on while travelling.

For one thing, people tend to talk loudly on their mobile phone, and this would mean that if there are five people talking at the same time in such an enclosed space, rest assured that the other passengers would not be able to hear themselves talking.

Secondly, it is already so annoying to be anywhere in public and be disturbed by the ringing of a mobile phone, considering that most people do not bother to use the silent mode or perhaps do not know how to put their mobile on silent.

Thirdly, considering the indiscipline that reigns, in particular among us Maltese, how sure would we be that mobile phones are switched off during take-off and landing?

I hope that the European Union knows what it is doing.

Anna Micallef

Sliema