DoT to airlines: Use Indian satellite for in-flight connectivity

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has refused to grant an exemption to foreign airlines seeking to offer in-flight connectivity on their own terms, it is learnt. A number of foreign airlines, which are currently providing in-flight connectivity abroad, had approached DoT asking for  relaxations ahead of a government policy on the subject. These airlines had cited concerns in partnering with telecom operators and satellite providers in India for the service.

DoT, while in the process of framing rules, held several meetings with airlines executives and other stakeholders including telecom operators as well as satellite providers over the past two months. The most recent meeting was in the last week of June after which a draft was prepared, a source said. 

The draft rules mandate that any airline or service provider, whether Indian or foreign, intending to provide in-flight connectivity should partner an entity authorised to provide internet and telecom connectivity in India, the source added. Also, only Indian satellites or those empanelled by the Department of Space should be used for the purpose. 

“The gateway should be in India for security reasons,’’ he said. If these draft rules are finalised, the DoT policy rules would go against the recommendations of the Trai on in-flight communication services. 

Trai had recommended use of foreign satellites and gateways for providing such services. But, the Telecom Commission, the highest decision-making body of DoT, had subsequently proposed in-flight connectivity without accepting the Trai recommendations on use of foreign satellites. The DoT had then sought a clarification from Trai on the matter and the regulator reiterated its recommendation on allowing foreign satellites. A committee of secretaries from the Home Ministry, Department of Space, Civil Aviation Ministry, Defence Ministry along with intelligence agencies had earlier decided that the gateway should be in India for in-flight connectivity services. “No shifting of stand can take place in in-flight connectivity rules,” the source pointed out.

The draft prepared by the DoT will now be shared with all the concerned ministries for their views. The rules, which will not require a Cabinet approval, are expected to be notified in three months.

There has already been a delay in the drafting of rules due to absence of  consensus around the framework linked to security parameters. While the rules may be notified within months, the launch of services will take longer as partnerships need to be forged between various players.