WiFi services on flights: Taking an important step, the Government of India has issued new guidelines for using the Internet during flights. The government has clarified that passengers will be able to use Internet services through Wi-Fi during the flight only when the aircraft has reached an altitude of 3,000 meters (about 9,843 feet) and the use of electronic devices is allowed in the aircraft. The order states that this directive applies to all flights operating in Indian airspace.
The government has allowed mobile communication services only after the aircraft reaches an altitude of 3,000 metres in Indian airspace under the Flight and Maritime Connectivity Rules, 2018. This has been done to avoid interference with terrestrial mobile networks.
“Irrespective of the minimum altitude over Indian airspace, internet services through Wi-Fi on board aircraft shall be provided when the use of electronic devices is permitted on board the aircraft,” the notification said. The amendment is aimed at ensuring that connectivity services are compliant with security protocols pertaining to use of electronic devices on flights.
In this regard, the government said in the new rule notified, “Irrespective of the minimum altitude in the Indian airspace specified in sub-rule (a), internet services through Wi-Fi will be provided in the aircraft only when the use of electronic devices is permitted in the aircraft.” The newly notified rule will be called Flight and Maritime Connectivity (Amendment) Rules, 2024.
The government emphasized that these changes are aimed at balancing the need for connectivity with the need to maintain safety and regulatory standards in Indian airspace. The clarification ensures that passengers can use Wi-Fi services during flights.
However, it allows internet access only when electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets and laptops, are authorised for use by the crew. This is in line with current safety protocols that restrict device use during critical phases of flight such as takeoff and landing.
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