DoT calls In-flight licensing meet on May 14

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has called for a meeting on May 14 to discuss the licensing framework of In-flight connectivity (IFC).

The DoT has called for a meeting of all stakeholders which includes all airlines registered in India, VSAT operators and mobile operators. The meeting will also see representation from Ministry of Shipping, Director General of Civil Aviation and Department of Space.

Last week, the government has given a go ahead for In-flight connectivity and it is expected to be operational before August.

The Telecom Commission has approved almost all the TRAI’s recommendations on in-flight connectivity in its meeting on 1st May 2018. With this, the airlines and the telecom service providers can offer voice and data services in Indian airspace once an aircraft reaches an altitude of 3,000 metres. The service is expected to be operationalize within 3 to 4 months.

In line with earlier decision of Committee of Secretaries, in-flight voice and data services shall be provided through Indian satellites or foreign satellites as approved by Department of Space for communication purposes with gateways in India.

A separate category of licensee called in-flight connectivity provider shall be created with a token license fee of Re. 1. Such facility of voice and data connectivity shall also be extended to ships and other moving vehicles (earth stations in motion).