- Domestic Indian passengers on flights will get in-flight WiFi soon.
- WiFi will be available with certain conditions.
- Air India is also expected to offer in-flight WiFi in the coming months.
In-flight WiFi services have gained significant popularity globally; however, they remain unavailable for passengers on domestic flights within India. This situation is poised to change shortly, as the Government of India is set to announce new regulations concerning the use of in-flight WiFi on domestic routes. According to these forthcoming guidelines, Indian travelers will soon have access to in-flight WiFi services. Nevertheless, there is a minor caveat associated with this announcement. Before delving into that detail, it is essential to understand the operational aspects of in-flight WiFi.
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In-flight WiFi for Domestic Indian Travelers
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The Flight and Maritime Connectivity Rules of 2018 stipulate that mobile communication services on aircraft may only be enabled once the aircraft ascends to a minimum altitude of 3,000 meters, ensuring that there is no disruption to mobile networks on the ground.
The recently updated regulations introduce a significant aspect regarding in-flight connectivity. According to these guidelines, WiFi internet services will be allowed once the aircraft ascends to an altitude of 3,000 meters, provided that the flight crew permits the use of electronic devices such as phones or tablets. Consequently, in-flight WiFi will be available in India under specific controlled conditions.
“Notwithstanding the minimum height in Indian airspace referred to in sub-rule (1), internet services through WiFi in aircraft shall be made available when electronic devices are permitted to be used in the aircraft”.
In-flight WiFi services are set to be introduced on all domestic flights within the country, allowing passengers to utilize applications such as YouTube, WhatsApp, and others. A nominal fee will be required to access these internet services.
Which airlines are offering in-flight WiFi
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Vistara currently provides WiFi services on long-haul domestic and select international flights. Other airlines, including IndiGo, are expected to introduce in-flight connectivity in India in the near future. To quote the New Delhi Airport Authority of India, “The newly established regulations have been formulated to ensure that these connectivity services align with the safety protocols regarding the use of electronic devices on aircraft.”
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