New Yorkers are set to welcome another flavour of modern life to their subway system: cell phones! The New York Times reports that the transportation authority has opted to enable cell phone service in all 277 underground stations. In the 'thank heavens for small mercies' department, you won't be able to get reception in tunnels.

Meanwhile, a number of air lines are opting to try out cell phones and/or text messaging on in-flight planes this Fall. Airlines include Air France, Ryanair, Shenzhen Airlines in China, and Emirates Airlines, the Globe and Mail reports.

What do you think? I appreciate how boring it is to be on an interminable flight, but on the other hand, I think I'd rather have someone kick the back of my seat for three hours than listen to innumerable "Where am I? I'm on the plane! Yes, the airplane! Where are you?" one-sided conversations.