International airlines could start providing Internet onboard over Indian skies in the next three months. Along with onboard WiFi, airlines may also provide wireless in-flight entertainment which is pre-loaded on an aircraft and can be accessed by travellers on their personal device.
Working:
In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) includes voice, data and video services over Indian airspace for domestic, international and overflying flights in Indian airspace.
Flyers on board an aircraft will be able to make calls and remain connected to the Internet while travelling through the Indian airspace, once an aircraft reaches an altitude of 3000 metres.
In-flight WiFi services rely on geostationary satellites which beam signals directly to antennas installed on the airline.
The direct transmission of internet through satellites will be carried over the Ku and Ka bands. The former has a smaller range of 12-18 gigahertz (GHz) while the latter has a range of 26-40GHz, resulting in better bandwidth.
Implementation in India:
In May 2018, Telecom Commission, the highest decision making body in the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), approved almost all of TRAI’s Recommendations on In-flight Connectivity.
This facility will also be applicable to communication on ships.
The service will be provided through Indian Satellites or through satellites approved by Department of Space for communication purposes, with gateways in India.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will create a new category of licensees called In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) providers. They will provide internet and voice services on flights operating within India and need not necessarily be Indian entities.
Significance:
Users will be able to better utilize the time spent travelling. Passengers will be able to order products while flying and have them delivered to their homes, or the hotel on arrival at their destination.
Cabin crews can help passengers to change their onward transit plans to accommodate for changes to their flight, while they are still in the air.
It will bring Indian aviation sector at par with others in this aspect. According to a January 2018 report, 82 countries and over 30 airlines offer onboard connectivity.
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