Sky TV

By early 2007, you can access the Net at 35,000 feet.

What is it?
Couch potatoes on board? No. Maybe less fidgety kids. But you can definitely catch up with the latest biz news on board. With the "broadband in the sky" concept finding its way to India, now you will be able to surf, chat and even watch television on board.

Why are we writing about it?
Early next year, India's private carriers including Kingfisher Airlines, Jet Airways and Air Sahara, plan to provide Internet connectivity at 35,000 feet. The state-owned carriers "" Air India and Indian "" are going to follow suit.

Air India plans to offer Connexion, Boeing's real-time, high-speed Internet and data communications service. Globally, the main companies that provide IFE technology are Rockwell Collins, Thales, and Panasonic.

What's in it for you?
Kingfisher Airlines has announced plans to have live television on its flights by next March. Its fleet of Airbus A320s will be fitted with a satellite receiver and live television will be available at every seat. Indian and Air India are also planning the same.

What are the damages?
These moves are coming at a time when the demand for bandwidth is at an all-time high. It is causing enough concern that even the slow moving Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is thinking about cutting bandwidth prices by 30 to 40 per cent and the DoT is planning ways to bring the costs down. But don't worry, it will not trickle down on to your ticket fare.

Take it or leave it?
You don't want to watch TV?