India’s Telecom Commission has approved the proposal by the Department of Telecommunications to allow calls and internet services on aircraft above Indian airspace. The proposal was sent in the beginning of the year and was followed by additional recommendations made by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. Business Traveller India had reported on this back in January here.
The approval of this proposal will allow Indian as well as international airlines to provide inflight connectivity within Indian airspace in the next three to four months. Under this provision, the passengers will be allowed to make phone calls and browse the internet once the aircraft has achieved an altitude of 3000 metres in Indian airspace.
Indian satellites or Department of Space-approved satellites will be used for this data and voice facility. The service providers be a charged a minimal fee of ₹1 per annum, to acquire the licence.
Minister of Commerce and Industry and Civil Aviation of India, Suresh Prabhu tweeted
Sanchita Nambiar
