In-flight Wi-Fi connectivity on domestic airlines could be available soon
India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently announced a new rule for Wi-Fi connectivity in flight and at sea. With the new rules, the ministry has specified the criteria under which travelers can access internet connectivity. It is believed that with this rule change, Indian airlines such as Air India, Indigo and SpiceJet will finally be able to offer the service to passengers traveling domestically. It is notable that currently only Vistara offers on-board WiFi to travelers on international flights.
DoT announces rule change regarding in-flight WiFi connectivity
DoT India has the rule change in an e-Gazette published on October 28. The rule amends the Flight and Maritime Connectivity Rules, 2018. Under rule 9, sub-rule (2) was amended to read: “Notwithstanding the minimum altitude in Indian airspace referred to in sub-rule (1), internet services through Wi-Fi shall be made available on aircraft when the use of electronic devices on the aircraft is permitted.”
Notably, sub-rule (1) states that aircraft operating in Indian airspace can provide passengers with internet access through Wi-Fi at a minimum altitude of 3,000 metres. This rule was added to prevent interference of in-flight connectivity with mobile and broadband connectivity on the ground.
It appears that the previous rule did not provide sufficient incentive for airlines and network providers to offer the service to travelers. This may be due to the edge cases where the in-flight network, despite reaching the required altitude, can still cause a problem for ground systems.
The DoT India emphasized that the new rule change will be called the Flight and Maritime Connectivity (Amendment) Rules, 2024. Posts about the rule change, the department’s official handle on X (formerly known as Twitter) posted“Flight and maritime connectivity rules have been amended to make internet connectivity available on flights via Wi-Fi.”
Of all the Indian airlines, only Vistara currently offers in-flight Wi-Fi to travelers on international flights. The service is available on Boeing 787-9 Dreamlines and Airbus A321neo aircraft. The company offers 20 minutes of free Wi-Fi on select routes and to use additional Wi-Fi time, passengers must pay a fee via credit or debit card.
