DOT to approve internet on flights soon

The Department of Telecom is set to approve data services during flights as the Telecom Commission is likely to take up the matter soon.

The DOT already received approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs to start the services. The matter will be placed before the Telecom Commission, the highest decision making body of the DOT, sources said.

In the first phase, the internet services will be allowed and in the next phase voice services will also be allowed, said the sources.

Once the DOT approves it, airlines are free to offer internet services to passengers. The DOT will sign a licence contract with the particular provider on the line with telecom or internet service providers. The tariff for data services will be fixed by airlines.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in January had recommended allowing mobile telephony and internet services for passengers during air travel in the country through both satellite and terrestrial network.

Earlier, the Department of Telecom had sought the views of the TRAI over the proposal to introduce voice, data and video services over the Indian airspace.

Several countries have already adopted in-flight mobile services and a number of airlines across the globe, including Air France, All Nippon Airways and British Airways.

Several domestic and international airlines had earlier urged the government to take steps to allow similar services in the country also.