Trai floats consultation paper for in-flight WiFi service

Telecom regulator said that advancement in satellite technologies is making it possible to provide ubiquitous coverage across the globe

Telecom regulator Trai on Friday started consultation process on framing guidelines for full- fledged in-flight mobile services.

Trai, in its consultation paper on In-Flight Connectivity (IFC), said, "Given the rapidly expanding demand for 'In- Flight Communication', there is a proposal to introduce In- Flight Connectivity for voice, data and video services over Indian airspace for domestic, international and over-flying flight in Indian airspace."

The Department of Telecom (DoT), through its reference dated August 10, 2017, has requested Trai to furnish its recommendations on licensing terms and conditions for provision of IFC, it said.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) said that advancement in satellite technologies is making it possible to provide ubiquitous coverage across the globe.

"It is possible for passengers to have telecom services in the aircraft travelling at 800 kilometres per hour and 10,000 meters in the sky due to satellite-enabled connectivity," Trai said.

It mentioned International Air Transport Association's (IATA) 2014 global passenger survey which said that 80 per cent of the passengers would use Wi-Fi if offered on board a flight.

The regulator has sought public view on whether the permit for providing IFC should be given under existing licences or a separate category should be created for it, requirement of registrations, use of satellite systems etc.

It has fixed October 27 as last date for comment on the paper and November 3 for counter comment.