Air Travelers Could Make Calls And Surf Internet In The Indian Airspace

New rules which are expected to come into force in January 2019 allow travelers to call and surf the Internet on their phones while flying in the airspace that belongs to India. The validity of the norms also depends on the Law Ministry’s concurrence, according to Manoj Sinha – Telecom Minister.

The Telecom Ministry waits for the Law Ministry’s opinions on in-flight connectivity norms and the subsequent introduction of the new rules, Sinha said.

Previously, the proposal for the expansion of in-flight connectivity rights was cleared by the Telecom Commission which is the supreme policy-making agent of Telecom’s Department on the first of May. These rights have been granted for travelers in most developed regions. According to a superior official of Communication Ministry, the ministry considers that India should even apply international practice on its Exclusive economic zone as well as Territorial water.

Travelers can call and surf the Internet while flying

Territorial water covers the maximum of twelve nautical miles from the country’s coastal line while the exclusive economic zone extends to the peak of two hundred nautical miles from the line.

The government formally declared the prompt enforcement of the in-flight connectivity rules. Full-service airlines namely Vistara and Air India likewise welcome the implementation in the future.

Inflight service suppliers are required to be granted a distinct set of licensees. Accordingly, the license allowance is pegged at Re1.

Sinha said the victorious launch of Indian heaviest satellite designated GSAT 11 from Fren Guiana would enhance information connectivity, particularly the hilly states and northeastern.

GSAT-11 launched in French Guiana by Arianespace on Wednesday would enhance Indian broadband services in the country. Sinha is optimistic about the completion of Bharat Net which is a rural broadband program in March 2019.