Govt notifies rule change, allows phone calls and internet on flights

Telecom services will be activated once the aircraft attains a minimum height of 3,000 metres in Indian airspace.

People will be allowed to use their cellphones to make calls and access the internet when flying in Indian territory, says government notification issued last week.

Indian and foreign airlines and shipping companies operating can provide in-flight and maritime voice and data services in partnership with an Indian telecom licence holder. 

"These rules may be called the Flight and Maritime Connectivity Rules, 2018. They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette," said a government notification dated December 14.

The in-flight and maritime connectivity (IFMC) can be provided using telecom networks on ground as well as using