Govt moves proposal to allow in-flight Wi-Fi services

Civil Aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said on Thursday that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has moved a proposal for allowing in-flight Wi-Fi services. 

Presently, Wi-Fi services and phone calls are not allowed on flights flying over the Indian airspace.

The Raju said providing on board Wi-Fi services in Indian airspace involves amendment of provisions of Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 as well as Indian Telegraphy Rules made thereunder.

"The department of telecommunications (DoT) has already moved a proposal for providing in-flight connectivity for voice, data and video services for consideration of the Committee of Secretaries," Raju said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

To a query, he said neither the civil aviation ministry nor the directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) have issued any instructions to Indian carriers for initiating preparations for in-flight connectivity.

Chicago Convention facilitates the use of radio equipment when crossing over multiple jurisdictions. Many countries have already given rights to satellite service providers for in-flight connectivity in aviation sector.

Globally, many airlines are already offering Wi-Fi for passengers, but they currently have to switch off the facility when they enter the Indian airspace. Generally, Wi-Fi facility for fliers can be provided either through air-to-ground technology or satellite connectivity and the latter will be expensive.