The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has released a consultation paper on in-flight WiFi and calling, seeking views from citizens about whether or not in-flight connectivity should be allowed in India, and the government licensing framework for this. Answers may be sent to Syed Tausfic Abbas, Advisor (Networks, Spectrum and Licensing) at TRAI, at advmn@trai.gov.in by October 27th 2017, and counter comments by 3rd November 2017. TRAI is hosting this consultation following a reference from the Department of Telecom on 10th August 2017. Download the consultation paper here. Broadly, the TRAI is asking the following questions (more detailed questions below): What should be allowed? Whether Internet or calling should be allowed on Indian flights, or both. Should international airlines flying over multiple jurisdictions be allowed to provide in-flight connectivity over Indian airspace? What restrictions and regulations should be applicable to in-flight connectivity providers? Licensing and Spectrum Should the standards for offering these services be the same as global standards? How do you ensure that in-flight connectivity doesn't interfere with terrestrial connectivity? Should it be technology neutral, or restricted to the same frequency bands as in the EU? Should it only be allowed via INSAT? Should connectivity be in-flight only or can it be gate-to-gate? Should any Unified License holder (Category A) be allowed to provide In-Flight connectivity, or should there be a separate category of license? Can an In-flight connectivity provider tie-up with an existing licensee with authorisation provide services on airlines registered in India? Should this require a separate permission? How should IFC…
