Passengers can now make phone calls, surf the net on Indian flights
Air India plane
Almost all recommendations by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on this have been accepted.
Air travellers in India will soon be allowed to make calls and access the internet while flying in Indian airspace since the Telecom Commission on Tuesday approved the DoT’s proposal for both internet and mobile communication on aircraft.
The Telecom Commission has approved in-flight connectivity facilitating both voice and data calls in Indian airspace, Telecom Secretary Aruna Sundararajan said in New Delhi.
The recommendations by TRAI allows airlines to offer these services once they meet security norms. The notification by TRAI also allowed calls once an aircraft reaches an altitude of 3,000 metres.
This restriction is being imposed to maintain compatibility with terrestrial networks. A flight generally attains the altitude of 3,000 metres about four-five minutes after take-off.
"Almost all recommendations by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on this have been accepted. We are expediting the process (to start) and within three months it should be ready," Telecom Secretary Aruna Sundararajan said in New Delhi.
(With inputs from Agencies)