Flights and Ships may soon have internet connectivity

New Delhi: People traveling by air travel and ship voyage would very soon be able to use the internet while traveling within Indian Territory. Frequent travelers will know that this was not allowed previously.

Indian and foreign airlines and shipping companies operating in the country can provide for airline and maritime voice and data services in partnership with a valid Indian telecom holder license.

The services can be provided by a valid telecom license holder in India through domestic and foreign satellites having the permission of the Department of Space, a report from Department of Telecommunications(DoT) said.

“In case of using satellite system for providing IFMC, the telegraph message shall be passed through the satellite gateway earth station located within India…and such satellite gateway earth stations shall be interconnected with the NLD (national long distance) or access service or ISP licensee’s network for further delivery of service,” the notification from DoT said.

The in-flight and maritime connectivity (IFMC) can be provided using telecom networks on the ground as well as using satellites.

As per the new rules, any telecom operator shall be eligible to apply for authorization to provide IFMC service if it holds a license for access service or an ISP (Internet Service Provider) category A license or has a National Long Distance (NLD) license or a commercial VSAT CUG service license.

The IFMC services can be provided using telecom networks on the ground as well as using satellites. However, the IFMC service provider shall provide the operation of mobile communication services in aircraft at a minimum height of 3000 meters in Indian airspace. This is to avoid interference with terrestrial mobile networks.

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