Govt studying wi-fi on flights plan, security issues remain

Passengers might have to wait longer for using wi-fi on board flights in the country as the government today said there are a number of security issues that need to be resolved in this regard.
The Department of Telecommunications has moved a proposal for providing in-flight connectivity for voice, data and video services for consideration of the Committee of Secretaries.
At present, wi-fi services and phone calls are not allowed on flights flying over the Indian airspace.
"Wi-fi proposal is being studied right now. There are a number of security issues that have to be resolved and we also have to make sure it does not interfere with flight operations. Therefore, that matter is under study right now," Minister of State for Aviation Jayant Sinha said on the sidelines of an event here.

To allow wi-fi services on flights will require amendments to provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and related Indian Telegraph Rules.
"As of now, wi-fi in-flight entertainment system (Transmitting -- Portable Electronic Device) is an independent system and is not connected to aircraft control systems making it safe for aircraft operations," the minister said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.