A year after the TRAI first recommended that in-flight connectivity be allowed over the Indian airspace, the Department of Telecom has notified the rules for in-flight connectivity in a circular dated December 14 (pdf). The rules are called ‘Flight and Maritime Connectivity Rules, 2018’ and will come into effect once they are published in the official Gazette of India. Here's a lowdown of the rules Who can apply? Any Indian airline or foreign airline company having permission to enter the Indian airspace can apply for an in-flight license. Any company registered under the Companies Act, 2013 or any previous company law is also eligible for this license. Licensing A license will be issued to an airline company for providing in-flight connectivity given: The airline holds a license of access service or an ISP category A license The airline should have NLD (National Long Distance) license, or a commercial VSAT-CUG (Very Small Aperture Terminal - Closed Use Group) service license. In case the airline is providing connectivity via satellite, it must have a satellite gateway earth station within service area. The airline may provide data services via WiFi, but to provide data service via mobile data the airline has enter into a commercial agreement with: an access service provider or an ISP Category A A commercial VSAT or NLD service with a satellite gateway earth station within the service area An airline company will be authorized to provide in-flight connectivity services for a period of 10 years once it meets all the…
