TRAI approves use of mobile during air travel

DAINIK NATION BUREAU

Telecom regulator TRAI today recommended allowing mobile telephony and Internet services for passengers during air travel in the country through both satellite and terrestrial network.

“The authority recommends that both, Internet and Mobile Communication on Aircraft (MCA) service should be permitted as In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) in the Indian airspace,” Trai said in its recommendations on ‘In-Flight Connectivity’ (IFC).

The Department of Telecom had sought views of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) on August 10, 2017, over the proposal to introduce voice, data and video services over Indian airspace for domestic, international and overflying flights.

The regulator said Internet services through Wi-Fi onboard should be made available when electronic devices are permitted to be used only in flight or airplane mode and announcement regarding this should be made when the aircraft is about to taxi.