Mobile calls, Wi-Fi on flights in 3-4 months
Globally, many airlines already offer Wi-Fi services, but they now have to switch it off when they enter Indian airspace.
New Delhi: Soon you will be able to make calls and surf the Internet while flying. The Telecom Commission on Tuesday approved a proposal to allow mobile calls and Internet services in domestic and international flights in India.
The department of telecom hopes this will be available to travellers within three to four months. The commission also approved the creation of an ombudsman to deal with telecom grievances.
People travelling on ships too will be able to use this facility. Telecom secretary Aruna Sundararajan said the penel’s decision will be operational “immediately”.
“The facility is expected to be rolled out in 3-4 months, once the modalities of these niche lice-nces and backend agreements are worked out,” said Ms Sundararajan, who also heads the Telecom Commission.
On what this would cost passengers, the secretary said the price would have to be worked out on a mutually-agre-ed basis between service providers and the airlines. A separate category of licences will be created for this service. “It will also provide for connectivity on ships in Indian territorial waters,” she said. It will also boost the revenue of airlines.
Globally, many airlines already offer Wi-Fi services, but they now have to switch it off when they enter Indian airspace.