In-flight Connectivity
In-flight passengers can access WiFi only when allowed, say new rules
The government on Monday clarified that in-flight passengers will be able to use internet services through WiFi only when electronic devices are permitted to be used in the aircraft even after it attains altitude of 3,000 metres in Indian airspace. Under Flight and Maritime Connectivity Rules, 2018, the government has mandated that In-flight and Maritime Connectivity service providers shall provide the operation of mobile communication services in aircraft at a minimum height of 3,000 metres in Indian airspace to avoid interference with terrestrial mobile networks. "Notwithstanding the minimum height in Indian airspace referred to in sub-rule (1), internet services through Wi-Fi in aircraft shall be made available when electronic devices are permitted to be used in the aircraft," as per the new rule notified on Monday. The newly notified rule will be called Flight and Maritime Connectivity (Amendment) Rules, 2024.
 "In-flight passengers can access WiFi only when allowed, say new rules")
Tired of in-flight internet woes? New solution likely on the horizon
India is preparing to launch its most advanced satellite, GSAT-20, later this year. It is expected to significantly enhance communication capabilities
 "Tired of in-flight internet woes? New solution likely on the horizon")
Air India alerted after man overhears hijacking plan, all you need to know
Official sources in the Delhi Police told the reporters that so far they have not tracked down anything suspicious during the investigation into the matter
 "Air India alerted after man overhears hijacking plan, all you need to know")
People from smaller cities flying high on UDAN; more routes to be added
Since its implementation, the scheme has been able to provide air connectivity to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities at affordable airfares and has transformed the way people travel
 "People from smaller cities flying high on UDAN; more routes to be added")
TajSATS sees business recovery as govt lifts curbs on in-flight service
The company is also expanding its non-aviation portfolio and is using automation and data analytics to drive cost efficiencies, says CEO
 "TajSATS sees business recovery as govt lifts curbs on in-flight service")
Regional connectivity gets boost as airlines expand flights under RCS
While the number of operational airports in the country will rise to 131, other smaller towns too are seeing a surge in connectivity
 "Regional connectivity gets boost as airlines expand flights under RCS")
With movement getting normal, 42% travellers ready for a trip again: Survey
With movement is slowly becoming normal, the confidence in air travel has also grown as around 42 per cent of recent travellers said they had a good in-flight experience and are ready to travel again
 "With movement getting normal, 42% travellers ready for a trip again: Survey")
SpiceJet introduces in-flight entertainment, can be accessed on devices
SpiceJet said it has launched a revamped complimentary in-flight entertainment called 'SpiceScreen' that can be accessed by passengers on any of their personal hand-held devices
 "SpiceJet introduces in-flight entertainment, can be accessed on devices")
Govts scramble to prop up airlines as Covid19 forces more flight, job cuts
US airlines are seeking to quickly reduce their workforces through unpaid leave of up to 12 months with medical benefits or early retirement packages in a sign carriers do not expect a quick rebound
 "Govts scramble to prop up airlines as Covid19 forces more flight, job cuts")
In-flight connectivity: WiFi at 40,000 feet moves a step closer to reality
For passengers, this alliance may change the entire airport experience
 "In-flight connectivity: WiFi at 40,000 feet moves a step closer to reality")
Nelco hopes to roll out in-flight data connectivity services by January
The company had earlier this year obtained a licence from the Department of Telecommunications for providing in-flight and maritime connectivity (IFMC) services
 "Nelco hopes to roll out in-flight data connectivity services by January")
SpiceJet, Vistara keen on in-flight connectivity: Telecom Secy Sundararajan
The Department of Telecommunication on Friday notified the rules for in-flight and maritime connectivity within the Indian territory which allows people to make voice calls and access internet service
 "SpiceJet, Vistara keen on in-flight connectivity: Telecom Secy Sundararajan")
In-flight connectivity rules could be notified as early as January: Sinha
The decision is expected to pave the way for travellers to use internet and voice services on mobile phone during flights in the Indian airspace
 "In-flight connectivity rules could be notified as early as January: Sinha")
In-flight calls, internet services may happen in days: Telecom Secretary
Globally, many airlines are already offering wi-fi for passengers, but they currently have to switch off the facilitywhen they enter the Indian airspace
 "In-flight calls, internet services may happen in days: Telecom Secretary")
Inflight connectivity: Airline passengers split over using mobile phones
Most people from France, Germany, Japan, Sweden, UK and the US are happy to have their phones rendered unusable while en route, while Indian, Chinese and Arab passengers generally want to make calls.
 "Inflight connectivity: Airline passengers split over using mobile phones")
DoT to airlines: Use Indian satellite for in-flight connectivity
Trai had recommended use of foreign satellites and gateways for providing such services
 "DoT to airlines: Use Indian satellite for in-flight connectivity")
In-flight connectivity: Telecom companies are not enthusiastic
Business Standard spoke to various airlines officials who sounded quite optimistic about the service and wanted a workable solution that can be implemented
 "In-flight connectivity: Telecom companies are not enthusiastic")
